Cramps are involuntary and forcible contractions of the muscles that do not relax. Under normal conditions, the muscles of the toe will contract and relax when moving the limb with signals from the brain, but sometimes this just contract even without signals from the brain and it is a very painful condition. Muscle cramps can last for a few seconds to hours and will depend on the muscle that is affected. Cramps on the toe do not last for a few seconds but are very painful conditions. Cramping of the toes can be caused by poor circulation of blood, wearing ill-fitting shoes and overexertion of the muscles of the toe during exercises. Some women wearing high heels can have cramps on the toe because the front of the foot and toes tolerate half of the weight of the body.
Foot cramps can be severely painful and can happen anytime and usually cause curling of the arch of the foot or play at an awkward angle and cause poor circulation, dehydration, deficiency in nutrition and other health conditions.
Factors that causes cramps in the feet and toes
- Some medications that cause muscle cramps such as diuretic medications can result into depletion of the fluid and sodium from the body and cause muscle cramps. Medications for hypertension, cholesterol management and Parkinson’s disease can also cause muscle cramps.
- Narcotics and sedatives can also cause cramping of the muscles.
- Vitamin B deficiency such as Vitamin B1, B5, and B6 can cause muscle cramping in the toes and feet while deficiency of calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc can cause cramps.
- Poor circulation of blood in the legs which is known as claudication can also result in muscle cramps in the toes and feet.
Treatment and home remedies of feet and toe cramps
- Take off the shoes in order to promote proper blood circulation in the toes, and then walk out the toe cramp. This helps in increasing the flow of blood in the affected area and relaxes the cramped muscle.
- Massage the affected area using the hands. First, gently bend the toe and massage the surround areas. This helps in releasing tension in the muscles and for proper blood circulation in the area. Massage the foot for 10 to 15 minutes from the arch of the foot and between the toes.
- Immerse the foot in warm water in order to relax the muscles or apply a warm compress. This usually helps in relieving cramps on the toe caused by exercises.
- Wear comfortable, proper fitting shoes and avoid overexerting the feet during exercises.
- Perform some exercises and stretch the toes in order to strengthen muscles of the foot as well as minimize cramping of the toes in the future.
- Eat a well-balanced diet in order to give the body the necessary nutrients needed for proper functioning of the muscles.
- Drink plenty of water in order to avoid dehydration because it can cause cramping and spasms.