Why do my toes cramp and what to do?

Today, many patients complain of toe cramps. If earlier this was mainly a problem of elderly people and disabled people, today it tends to spread everywhere and become younger. Today, there is probably not a single person who has not experienced a cramp at least once in his life. Nowadays, cramps occur not only in elderly and mature people, but also in young people, teenagers, and children. Even infants and newborns are not spared this problem.

Causes toe cramps

There are many reasons why toes cramp. It is impossible to give a clear answer as to why this happens. Perhaps these are changes at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, the functioning of the pineal gland.

Cramps can be associated with a lack of proteins, individual amino acids, vitamins. A deficiency of essential amino acids has a particularly negative effect on the body. Cramps also occur when the body lacks vitamins of group B, D. Many concomitant diseases, chronic pathologies can lead to the fact that the toes are cramped. Why this happens, the very mechanism of the influence of some diseases on the condition of muscles, fingers, has not yet been fully studied, and remains a mystery for many researchers.

For example, it is well known that varicose veins, diabetes, circulatory disorders, atherosclerosis, many heart and kidney diseases can lead to cramps. Presumably, the cause is circulatory disorders, vascular tone, as a result of which the muscles do not receive enough oxygen, and a spasm occurs. But this is only one version.

Risk factors

The risk group includes people with disorders of neuroregulatory mechanisms, with imbalance of hypothalamic-pituitary function, with diseases and disorders of the pituitary gland, imbalance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the central nervous system, with disorders of microcirculation of the vascular bed, general and local hemodynamics, with a tendency to spasms, nervous and endocrine disorders, diseases of the hormonal system. The risk group includes patients with heart disease, blood, kidneys, blood vessels in the anamnesis. Also, such diagnoses as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, varicose veins are considered as risk factors.

In addition, the risk group includes people with a history of congenital and acquired diseases of the musculoskeletal system, recent injuries to muscles, bones, nerves, and people with psychoneurological diseases. Risk factors also include recent injuries accompanied by a violation of innervation, compression of blood vessels and nerves. This may include cases of compression of blood vessels, muscles, plaster casts, pressure bandages, and the development of compartment syndrome.

The risk of cramps increases significantly in people who work in extreme conditions and are exposed to stress factors. The risk also increases if a person lives and works in dampness, in conditions of high humidity, heat, at high altitudes, or is exposed to sudden changes in climatic conditions. People with physical inactivity, who lead a sedentary, inactive lifestyle, and elderly people due to the natural aging processes of the body and degenerative disorders are at risk. Pregnant women and nursing mothers also fall into this group, since their muscle load increases. As for children in their first year of life, they may develop cramps due to rapid growth, a lack of certain substances, especially if they are bottle-fed. Their cramps may be a consequence of intrauterine oxygen starvation, hypoxia during childbirth, this may be a consequence of birth trauma, cerebral pathology. Cramps in the toes also occur due to natural or pathological hypertonicity. The risk increases sharply in premature babies, since they have functional and sometimes even structural immaturity of many organs and systems, including the nervous and muscular systems, adaptation is quite difficult, pathological hypertonicity often develops, and hypoxia develops.

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Pathogenesis

Disturbances in neuroregulatory mechanisms, in particular, the hypothalamic-pituitary, pituitary-epiphyseal and humoral levels of regulation entail a disruption in the production of neurotransmitters, and, accordingly, the transmission of nerve impulses at the level of nerve tissue or at the level of neuromuscular interaction is disrupted. There is a disruption in the excitability of cellular structures and tissues, the generation of action potential in nerve and muscle tissues is disrupted, as a result of which the muscle seems to receive a signal to contract, but does not receive a signal to relax, or the receipt of this signal is sharply slowed.

Disorders of neuroregulatory mechanisms, in addition to the disruption of the synthesis of neurotransmitters and other important components, lead to disruption of general metabolic processes in the body, hormonal background. Often these are pathologies that develop against the background of nervous overstrain, stress, under conditions of exposure to stressful and extreme factors on the body, during the adaptation period, against the background of chronic fatigue.

All these factors lead to the fact that hormonal activity in the body is disrupted, hormonal imbalance and endocrine diseases develop, which in turn lead to disruption of metabolic processes, non-assimilation of nutrients, or disruption of their distribution, absorption, inclusion in metabolic chains.

All this entails a disruption of the normal functioning of almost all organs and systems of the body at various levels, starting from the molecular, cellular, tissue. And ending with the organismic level. Biophysical, biochemical processes affecting the cell, then the entire tissue change significantly. The changes are most clearly manifested at the level of the nervous and muscular systems as a consequence of the imbalance of metabolic processes, at the cellular, tissue levels.

Imbalances can occur for various reasons (due to deficiency of basic mineral components, vitamins). They are directly involved in generating cell potential. This affects contractility, excitability of cells and tissues. The Krebs cycle is disrupted - the main process that ensures the functioning of cells. As a result, the mechanisms of carbohydrate and energy exchange are disrupted, hypoxia develops.

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Epidemiology

An analysis of statistical data for the last three years (according to Rosstat) shows that approximately 50% of cramps occur due to a lack of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Another 20% of cramps occur under the influence of damaging factors. Another 30% of cramps are a consequence of various diseases. Thus, approximately 30% of all cramps caused by concomitant diseases develop against the background of diabetes mellitus, approximately 25% - against the background of varicose veins, approximately 15% - heart diseases, including heart failure, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia. Another 10% of cramps develop against the background of vascular diseases. Including atherosclerosis, hypertension, hypotension, VSD. A similar picture is confirmed by statistical data from WHO - the World Health Organization.

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Symptoms

You feel your toes contract and remain compressed, unable to be unclenched. This condition gradually causes pain, numbness, loss of sensitivity, and a strong sense of squeezing of the toes. If you work the muscle, rub it, the symptoms gradually subside.

The first signs are discomfort, sometimes pain, twitching, tremor of the limb, fingers. Then there is a burning sensation, pain, strong pressure in the fingers, the inability to spread them, move them.

Cramps in fingers and toes

There is a sharp disruption of blood circulation, the condition of muscle tissue, its contractile activity, and metabolism are disrupted. Cramps of fingers and toes can be caused by trauma, compression, squeezing (blood circulation and innervation are disrupted). This is often observed during pregnancy, lactation, menopause, and postmenopause.

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Cramps in the fingers of the left and right feet

It can occur for various reasons. Before starting treatment, you need to know the exact cause. In any case, you need to see a doctor, undergo an examination, and find the cause of the pathology.

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Foot and toe cramps

If you suddenly have a cramp, you need to immediately rub the area with rivers. Massage your fingers thoroughly, in all directions. A warm foot bath will help. You can also try to put your foot on a flat surface, lean on it. Continue massaging: massage includes all available means of manual action, rubbing, kneading the affected area, which will provide access of blood and oxygen to the site of the cramp. If possible, you need to take an anticonvulsant or antispasmodic.

Cramp of the big toe, middle toe

Treatment is etiological, that is, it depends on what pathology is detected. Often, cramps of the big and middle toes occur as a result of magnesium deficiency in the body, so magnesium preparations may be prescribed.

In case of pathology of the muscles themselves and circulatory disorders, methods of therapeutic physical training and rehabilitation therapy are used. The most effective is etiological treatment, that is, it should be aimed at identifying and further eliminating the cause of the pathology.

Toe cramps at night

If toe cramps occur at night, there is a need for diagnostics and further treatment. The basis of therapy is special anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, painkillers. Vibration movements, as well as active-passive movements, relieve cramps well. Vitamins should be taken, since most are associated with hypovitaminosis / avitaminosis, especially with a lack of vitamins A, E, PP. Physiotherapeutic methods are also used. Various procedures with water help eliminate excessive tension and spasms.

Cramps in toes and calf muscles

A similar picture is often diagnosed in people involved in intensive training, sports. This is often observed in professional athletes who are preparing for competitions, in fighters undergoing military training, in those involved in hand-to-hand combat, various types of martial arts. Cramps in this area can indicate either overtraining (excessive loads), or incorrectly performed exercises, incorrectly distributed load. Often, such symptoms indicate damage to the ligamentous apparatus.

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Numbness and cramps in toes

Associated with a number of reasons: metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins, minerals, nervous stress, overexertion, psychosis, neurosis. It is recommended to use anticonvulsants for convulsions. Also, such symptoms often indicate disorders of the cardiovascular system: circulatory disorders, hemo- and lymphostasis, congestion, impaired blood drainage function.

Severe cramps in toes

Such a picture can be observed when the normal functioning of many parts of the central nervous system is disrupted, or these may be failures at the level of the physiology of the vegetative parts of the nervous system, in which there is a tendency for the activity of the sympathetic parts of the nervous system to predominate, or the sympathetic part begins to sharply dominate the parasympathetic part. In addition, these may be various other disorders, not only at the level of the central nervous system or the parasympathetic part. If you are bothered by severe cramps in your toes, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.

Pain in toes, cramps

Quite often, complaints of pain in the toes and cramps appear in teenagers. They are associated with the transitional period, when the body is being restructured: mental and physical changes occur, hormonal levels change, metabolic processes are disrupted. This is often associated with insufficient physical activity and movement. Sometimes the cause is an incorrectly selected training regimen, poor nutrition, or a lack of certain substances in the diet.

Frequent cramps in toes

Frequent cramps can be a sign of many pathologies, and it is impossible to assume any diagnosis without the necessary examination. Treatment is usually selected after the cause of toe cramps has been determined, especially if they are frequent. There are quite a few methods that can eliminate cramps. The most universal methods of treatment are therapeutic exercise, individual techniques of active and passive gymnastics, manual therapy, massage, and proper breathing.

Various medications are used, including topical ointments and oral medications. The basis of therapy is special anticonvulsants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants (no-shpa - 150 mg / day, carbazepam - 3-5 mg / kg of body weight, trometamol - 60 mg / day, 2 times a day). Various ointments are also used (troxevasin gel, dolobene, chondroitin, comfrey, meadowsweet, bee venom). Physiotherapeutic methods (electrical procedures, electrophoresis) are also used. Folk and homeopathic remedies used for convulsions are quite helpful.

Diagnostics toe cramps

Cramps usually never occur without a reason, there is a specific reason for their appearance. And determining this reason is an important part of diagnostics, since further therapeutic tactics and its effectiveness depend on it. Cramps are often a sign of some diseases of the body. Cramps can be a consequence of damage to the nervous system. This can be the result of improper brain function, as a result of which the brain sends incorrect signals to the toes, and the muscles are in constant spasm. Cramps can be caused by infectious, neurodegenerative, muscular dystrophic diseases. They can be a consequence of a lack of vitamins, mineral components in the body, or indicate a violation of the ratio of individual substances in the body. In some cases, cramps are genetically determined, or acquired as a result of constant stress, lack of oxygen in the body, or traumatic brain injury.

In general, the first and main stage of diagnostics is to determine the cause of seizures. Usually, one clinical picture and standard examination are not enough. During diagnostics, various diagnostic methods are used: laboratory, instrumental. If necessary, functional tests are used, which can differentiate various diseases and syndromes quite accurately.

The main methods are standard clinical tests (analysis of feces, urine and blood). They will show the approximate direction of further research. For example, they indicate an inflammatory, infectious, allergic or autoimmune process. In the future, depending on this, additional, clarifying research methods are prescribed. If the clinic has shown a possible viral process, various virological studies are prescribed. If rheumatic, autoimmune pathologies are suspected, rheumatic tests, analysis for C-reactive protein, biochemical studies are prescribed. An immunogram, allergy tests, an immunogram, analysis for immunoglobulins of various classes, for the content of certain vitamins are often prescribed. Sometimes genetic methods are used if it is suspected that the convulsions are congenital and genetically determined.

In diagnostics, various methods of instrumental research are used, since they most accurately show the picture of the pathology, visualize the pathology. The main methods that are used to determine the cause of the development of cramps in the toes are the following methods:

1. MRI
2. fMRI
3. electroencephalography.
4. myoelectroencephalography
5. X-ray examination
6. ultrasound examination.

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Differential diagnosis

The essence of differential diagnostics is the need to differentiate the signs of similar diseases and determine the final diagnosis. It is also necessary to determine the cause of the pathology. The effectiveness of further treatment depends on this.

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Treatment toe cramps

Treatment is prescribed only after diagnostics have been performed and a diagnosis has been made, since only by knowing the cause of the pathology can appropriate measures be taken to eliminate these causes. Only in this case will the treatment be effective.

The therapy is mainly drug-based. The therapy almost always includes special anticonvulsants, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Physiotherapeutic methods are sometimes prescribed. Folk remedies, homeopathy, phytotherapy and naturotherapy are also used. Etiological treatment predominates, that is, aimed at eliminating the cause of the pathology.

Symptomatic therapy is used less frequently. However, it is less effective and is most often considered an auxiliary method. A combination of etiological and symptomatic therapy is effective.

A mandatory condition for successful therapy is the use of massage, therapeutic exercise. You can't do without breathing exercises, proper relaxation. Swimming is useful, as it quickly relieves any cramps, spasms.

What to do if your toes are cramping?

What to do when cramps appear in the toes, only a doctor can answer. This is explained by the fact that in order to prescribe treatment, you must first make a diagnosis and determine the cause of the pathology. Only after this is the treatment selected. On your own, you can only provide temporary assistance, slightly alleviate the condition. There are many drugs that help relieve cramps and temporarily alleviate the condition. At the moment when a cramp occurs, this place needs to be massaged well, using first light stroking, then deeper kneading and rubbing.

But still, before you start taking any medications, it is better to consult a doctor. You can also do massage (self-massage) on your own, rubbing the area that is cramped. Of course, you can do various physical exercises on your own, aimed at eliminating cramps.

How to stop toe cramps?

If cramps in the toes occur, the natural question arises: "How to stop them?" You need to act quickly. First, you need to provide blood and oxygen to the site of the cramp as quickly as possible. To do this, massage the toes, rub them with your hands, perform any massage movements. This will immediately relieve the pain and relax the muscle. As soon as it becomes a little easier, you need to take an anticonvulsant or antispasmodic. After the acute attack of cramps has passed, you can already think about further treatment. Ideally, see a doctor, undergo a comprehensive examination, get prescriptions and strictly follow them. This way you can completely cure the pathology, and not suppress it for a while.

Medicines

• No-shpa.

Dosage: one tablet 2-3 times a day (regardless of the presence or absence of convulsions). The course of treatment is 10-14 days.

Precautions: Do not take by children under 6 years of age or pregnant women.

Side effects: nausea, vomiting, intoxication.

• Carbazepam.

Dosage: 3-5 mg/kg of body weight. It is recommended to take a course of treatment, on average 14-28 days.

Precautions: Consult a physician before use.

Side effects: complications in the kidneys, liver, stomach pain.

• Ketorolac

Dosage: 60 mg per day. This dosage can be divided into 2-3 times per day.

Precautions: does not combine well with other drugs.

Side effects: dyspeptic disorders.

• Trometamol.

Dosage: 60 mg/day, 2 times a day.

Precautions: It is recommended to take it only on the advice of a doctor, and also strictly adhere to the dosage, do not exceed it.

Side effects: dizziness, hallucinations, confusion.

Vitamins

When finger cramps develop, it is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily concentrations:

• Vitamin PP – 60 mg
• Vitamin A – 240 mg
• Vitamin E – 45 mg.

Physiotherapy treatment

The following are indicated as physiotherapeutic treatments:

• thermal procedures
• electroprocedures
• myostimulation
• hydromassage
• reflexology
• acupuncture
• massage, manual interventions
• electric massagers
• electrophoresis with the introduction of calcium, magnesium, muscle relaxants. If the convulsions are accompanied by pain, appropriate painkillers are used as part of electrophoresis.

Folk remedies

Most often, folk remedies are used as a supplement to the main treatment.

• Recipe #1. Balm for toes

Take about 50 grams of melted cocoa butter as a base. Pour a small amount of avocado oil and frankincense oil in a ratio of 2:1, pre-heated over low heat. Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. The mass should be such that it is easy to apply to the skin. When the mass is prepared, immediately before applying to the fingers, add 2-3 drops of concentrated essential oil of wormwood, rosemary and pine. Apply for 15-20 minutes, then wash off and apply a thick cream (any).

• Recipe #2. Foot Bath Oil

As a base, take about 30 grams of purified sand and 40-50 grams of butter, mix together. Pour in a small amount of eucalyptus juice (about 30-40 ml). Prepare a mass of uniform consistency (like sour cream). Add to a foot bath at the rate of a tablespoon per 5 liters of water. Immediately before the bath, add 2-3 drops of concentrated pine and clove essential oil.

• Recipe #3. Foot Scrub

Take approximately equal parts of honey and butter, melt over low heat while stirring constantly, slowly pour in peach kernel oil (approximately 50 ml). Mix until a uniform consistency is formed. Mix well so that no lumps remain. Before applying to the skin, add 2-3 drops of geranium, lemon and mint essential oil, mix thoroughly again, and apply for no more than 10 minutes. Then wash off with warm water.

• Recipe #4. Anticonvulsant cream

Mix equal parts ground coffee and dark bitter chocolate - about a tablespoon of each component, add about 2 tablespoons of shea butter and 1 tablespoon of citronella hydrolysate. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth, apply to toes several times a day. After about 20-30 minutes, wash off with warm water. Apply dry heat.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment is considered very effective.

The number one remedy for finger cramps is basil. It contains many phytoncides, glycosides, which have a relaxing effect on muscles, relieve spasms, and tension. It is used in the form of decoctions and infusions. It can also be used as a solution for lubricating fingers, for foot baths, under a compress, and in the form of applications. It can be added to food.

A decoction of jasmine flowers is used as compresses, lotions, applications, for medicinal baths. It relieves spasms, relaxes tense areas, tones relaxed ones. It harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems. In addition, it improves the condition of the skin, prevents the formation of calluses. corns.

Geranium leaves and flowers are used in the form of a decoction. It is recommended to take internally, as well as to carry out foot baths. In the form of essential oil, it can be used to enrich ointments and foot creams (add 2-3 drops, mix).

Homeopathy

When treating with homeopathy, you need to take precautions:

1. Be treated for at least 28 days
2. Strictly follow the treatment regimen.
3. Consult a doctor.

This will help avoid side effects (intoxication, allergic and neurological reactions, dyspeptic disorders).

• Recipe No. 1.

Take about 30 grams of honey as a base. Pour in a small amount of pre-prepared warm herbal decoction. Prepare a mass of uniform consistency. The mass should be about the consistency of sour cream. Prepare a herbal decoction in advance from the zest and pulp of lemon, orange, basil and cloves. When the mass is prepared, immediately before use add 2-3 drops of concentrated lavender and eucalyptus essential oil. Drink a teaspoon with each attack of cramps. If you add a tablespoon of camphor to the remedy, it can be used as a cream, applying to the toes during a cramp (do not take with camphor internally).

• Recipe No. 2.

As a base, take about 20 grams of honey and ground bone meal, mix together. Pour in a small amount of pre-prepared warm herbal decoction (citronella, ampa, anise and basil, boiled in milk). Prepare a mass of uniform consistency (like sour cream). Immediately before ingestion, add 2-3 drops of concentrated bergamot and vanilla essential oil. Use a teaspoon 1-2 times a day.

• Recipe No. 3.

Take approximately equal parts of honey and sour cream, mix with half a teaspoon of ground cloves and verbena flowers. Mix well so that no lumps remain. If you can't stir, you can pre-melt the honey over low heat or in a water bath, or add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water. Before use, add 2-3 drops of hyacinth and oregano essential oil and half a teaspoon of elecampane herb, mix thoroughly again, drink with each attack of convulsions.

Surgical treatment

Usually, seizures are treated with traditional methods, but in some cases, surgical intervention may be required. For example, if the cause of seizures is a tumor, venous thrombosis, arterial occlusion, blockage of blood vessels, nerve damage. Minimally invasive surgical intervention, laparoscopic techniques are mainly used.

Complications and consequences

The main effects of cramps are various adverse effects and complications. First of all, blood circulation, innervation, and metabolic processes are disrupted, motor activity, and the reactivity of muscle tissue and nerves are reduced. Sometimes cramps of the toes are accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process. Another danger is that cramps can become chronic. This form is characterized by the development of periodic attacks and exacerbations. Perhaps the most dangerous complication is paralysis and disability.

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Prevention

Prevention is based on maintaining physical activity. It is necessary to eat well and maintain water balance. If necessary, take a course of vitamins, minerals, and various food supplements. Regular exercise aimed at normalizing blood circulation and respiratory processes is recommended. People who are prone to cramps should undergo regular medical examinations. It is necessary to optimize your workday, rest, and not overexert yourself. Your daily routine should include as many relaxing procedures as possible - breathing, meditation, relaxation practices, autogenic training, aromatherapy, massage, and self-massage. In the evening, it is useful to take baths (hot) with the addition of relaxing oils and herbal decoctions. If treatment or preventive measures are required, they should be taken regularly.

Forecast

If the necessary treatment and preventive measures are carried out in a timely manner, the prognosis will be favorable. Usually, toe cramps are easily eliminated with the help of medications and physical exercises, proper relaxation. Without treatment, cramps can intensify. The condition can end with the development of paralysis, disability.

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