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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Prevent toes cramping

    Related Topics
    Foot Conditions Osteoarthritis Pain
    The big toe on my right foot frequently has a spasm: without warning it angles painfully towards the adjacent toe, forcing it to press against the next one. Then all three cramp and lean over together at a weird angle. This mostly happens when I first get into bed or lie down to sleep, but it can happen when I do yoga. Trying to relax the foot, or massaging it don't fix it, sometimes standing on the foot and forcibly realigning the toes correctly may help. What can I do to prevent the cramps, or to fix them when the toes are cramping? For some years I have had mild osteoarthritis in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the affected big toe. I am female, in my 60s, not overweight, have no chronic illnesses, and am reasonably fit and healthy.
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    • Dr James Gillard
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    Dr James Gillard

    Osteopath

    James is passionate about osteopathy, it’s philosophy and works with facilitating the bodies innate drive for health and balance. He enjoys teaching patients about how … View Profile

    Hi,

    Yes cramping can be a difficult one. There are a number of causes from poor muscle conditioning, inadequate hydration, imbalance certain minerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium), etc..

    It sounds like a spasm of the adductor hallucis muscle which essentially brings the big toe towards the the others. 

    I would first address hydration and make sure you have had enough for the day, taking into considering level perspiration. I have found magnesium can often aid patients with these symptoms. I would also address the mobility the big toe which will help maintain the natural resting tension of muscles and tendons in the foot. It can also help to glide the nerve supplying this tissue you can check out the 'sciatic flossing' video here: https://jgillardosteo.wordpress.com/back-and-lower-limb/

    I hope this helps :)

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