What to do when you have Toe Cramps

Toe cramps can be an indication that the muscles in our toes have reached its limits. When this happens, rest and other conservative treatments can give you much needed relief from muscle spasms and pain. Although cases of toe cramps are not uncommon, this becomes a serious concern when it occurs regularly or does not go away with rest. When this happens, consult a podiatrist. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists specialize in helping people with foot disorders.

Possible causes of Toe Cramps

Buildup of lactic acid in the muscles caused by prolonged muscle activity

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Diuretics and cholesterol lowering medications
• Tight fitting shoes
• Aging

What you should do?

Toe stretches

If you’re an active runner, perform toe stretches before the activity. It might also be a good idea to incorporate foot and toe muscle strengthening exercises before engaging in regular running activities. Toe stretching exercises can help you avoid toe cramps and bring much needed flexibility to the muscles.

• Toe raises
• Toe flex
• Toe curl
• Marble pickup

Hot or cold compress

Applying some heat on your toes can get the blood flowing into the toes again and helps the muscle relax. Use a heating pad or apply a warm towel over the area. You can also soak your foot in water for instant relief.

A cold compress helps soothe pain and reduce inflammation. Use a cold pack to gently massage your toes.

Recharge with electrolytes

We don’t only lose water when we sweat. Salt, calcium, potassium and other important minerals are lost when sweating. Toe cramps or muscle cramps in general can be an indication of low nutrient intake. Our toes need their daily dose of minerals too and being at the extremities may mean it’s last in line. And energy drink filled with electrolytes could help your toe muscles get back on track.

Get the right type of shoes

Shoes provide much needed support to the feet and toes. Getting the right type of shoes does not only mean getting running shoes but also getting shoes that perfectly fit. Shoes with small toe boxes place extra pressure on the toes which could get tired easily. If you find yourself suffering from chronic toe cramps look for shoes with wide toe boxes.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.

Joint Pain in the Toes and Feet

There are several types of arthritis affecting the feet and toes. The feet have over 30 joints making it a prime location for arthritis. Normal wear and tear is just one of the reasons why the feet are the most common place for arthritis to develop. After all, the feet are responsible for supporting our weight and cushions the force of high-impact activities such as running and jumping.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints in our feet. It causes inflammation and destroys the cartilage. Swelling makes simple movements such as walking or standing painful. Inflammation irritates surrounding nerves giving the sensation of pain.

Gout is more commonly found in men than women. This is largely due to lifestyle habits rather than physical differences. Leading causes of gout includes heavy drinking, eating too much meat and overweight problems.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause foot deformities. It can lead to crippling foot problems making it difficult if not unbearable to move the feet. Foot and toe deformities include the formation of hammertoes, claw toes and bunions.

Treatment options and management of foot arthritis is easier when diagnosed early. This is why visiting a podiatrist is recommended when the first signs of arthritis are observed. The doctors at Long Island Foot and Ankle Group are podiatrists who specializes in helping people with foot disorders.

Do you have arthritis?

Morning stiffness – foot joints that are hard to move in the morning. It can be a sign of degenerative arthritis that starts from a few minutes and goes on for a few hours as the disease progresses.

Numbness and tingling – inflammation affect surrounding nerves that can cause a burning or tingling sensation.

Pain – stiffness is usually accompanied by pain. Inflammation in the joints can irritate surrounding nerves. It can also damage tissues and cartilage.

Joint stiffness – this usually begins with the small joints. As the condition progresses it moves to other joints.

Swelling- this is a clear indication of inflammation in the joints.

Limited range of movement – arthritis affects our foot joints which is responsible for normal foot movement.

Arthritis is a debilitating disease that can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life. A quick visit to a podiatrist could give you more information about the effects of arthritis and its treatments.

At Long Island Foot and Ankle Group with offices located in Valley Stream and Lake Success,  we specialize in helping people with foot disorders.  To schedule an appointment phone Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074.