Toe Cramps?

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[Jon Shickel]

Do other people get "toe cramps"? :eek: By "toe cramps" I mean cramps which are more in the foot between where the toe joins the foot and the ball of the foot, not actually in the toe itself but I don't know what else to call them.
Will I stop getting them eventually ( and I don't mean when I die :) )

I'm extending my toes against an elastic resistance band to see if strengthening them helps.

[DonMagee]

Eat more bananas, seriously.

[Janet Rosen]

Could be electrolytes (low potassium or calcium or magnesium) or related to an overall tightness in the plantar fascia and/or Achilles' tendon up the leg to the pelvis.
If its electrolytes, yes a potassium rich food source (banana, strawberry, etc) or if calcium/magnesium, a supplement will help.
If due to posture/connective tissue, the stretching will help, as will standing on one foot and rolling the other foot over a small rubber ball (the pink Spalding or Pensy Pinkie types we used to use when I was a kid for stoopball, punchball, handball, etc are perfect), making sure to work all angles of arch, heels and toes.

[Jon Shickel]

I notice it mostly during 'Ki testing'. Some of the standing postures are very forward with your weight down mostly on the balls of your foot. I figure I'm using my toes to balance my weight some and the muscles aren't use to it. It just hasn't seem to get better by itself.

[Michael Hackett]

A variation on Janet Rosen's theme is to roll your foot back and forth on a small can; I've used a tomato paste can about two inches in diameter and three inches high. That gave some relief when I was running high mileage each week. Oh yeah, make sure the can is full and sealed as an empty can won't do it.

[Eddie Heinzelman]

I used to get cramps now and then, but I think it was more from being new and just not being used to postures and movements. I definitely recommend stretching not only the toes, but your feet and ankles. Warm them up very well before working out.

I've broken the little toe on my right foot twice already within this past year....stretching is very important.

[George S. Ledyard]

There is a homeopathic remedy called "cuprum metalicum" It is ofetn used in homeopathy for foot cramping. In fact it is included in many homeopathic first aid kits for just that purpose.

[Pierre Kewcharoen]

Wow its not just me getting toe cramps

[Mary Turner]

I get those cramps where the muscle in the arch of my foot seizes up, usually after a long period of sittng seiza.

When I'm good about staying hydrated, it is not a problem.

Happy training!

[Larry Feldman]

Potassium tablets work for me, (see banana comment above), usually one is all it takes.

Your local supermarket sells a bottle of 100 or so for about $3.

[cguzik]

Spread your toes.