1. From Athletes to Coach Potatoes, Toe Cramps Attack Us All
You know the feeling. You're sitting at the dinner table or going about your business and a searing, indescribable pain hits your body unlike any other pain you've felt. No, it's not a migraine or a heart attack. It's a cramp in your toe. These strange muscle spasms can strike anytime and are particularly frustrating when they wake you up in the middle of the night, or when they strike in the middle of a game or workout.
2. Trade in Your High Heels for Sneakers
Those designer shoes may be causing harm to more than your pocketbook. The next time you squeeze your feet into a pair of high heels, consider the fact that those gorgeous shoes are one of the causes of toe cramps. Overexertion also causes toe cramps. Athletes and dancers suffer from these kinds of cramps more than the populous at large due to the added stress and strain placed on their feet and toes. Dancers especially those in ballet, are even more vulnerable when performing pirouettes and other tippy-toe dances. Certain prescription medications for asthma, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can also contribute to cramping. Talk to your doctor for details.
3. Calcium and Potassium Guard Against Toe Cramps
If your toe cramps are ongoing, increase your calcium intake and eat more salmon and other fish. Take a potassium supplement and Vitamin C tablets to stabilize the electrolytes in your system. Any sports drink can replace sodium or minerals lost due to overexertion and help prevent cramping. Be sure to also hydrate before and during marathon exercise or dance workouts. Take quinine tablets, available at your local health food store, or drink tonic water to further guard against cramps.
4. Exercise Your Tootsies to Prevent Cramps
Massage on your toes by rubbing them back and forth using baby oil. Warm up for at least ten minutes before workouts by stretching and doing yoga. Flex your feet and toes when sitting for long periods, and move your legs and feet in a circular motion. Any exercise that rejuvenates the circulatory system, like aerobics or bike riding reduces your chance of toe cramps. If you're in the throes of a painful cramp, pull your toes back towards you until the cramp subsides or separate the toes and massage them. Placing the foot and toes on a cold surface also works for some people. Experiment with different approaches until you find one that works for you.
5. Alternative Remedies Might Spell Relief
Alternative medicine practices, like acupuncture and reflexology can help alleviate severe toe cramps. Try relaxation techniques, like meditation and deep breathing to calm the whole body and further reduce your chance of toe cramps.
