What Do Recurrent Cramps Under The Toes Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016

Question: I have experienced recent cramping under my toes/at the top of the foot on one foot. Wake at night, discomfort during the day.
No obvious injury or incident. on and off for a couple of months but recently persistent over the last week. I've stopped exercising(2x daily walking ) over the last week to see if it will improve, but it has not.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.

I have gone through your query in detail.

Such cramping under toes /at the top of foot ,without history of any obvious injury can occur due to three reasons.

1. Tenosynovitis- This can happen due to swelling and inflammation of the tendons in the affected part.Any movement of this inflammed part can lead to cramping.

2.Raised uric acid levels- This is quite a common condition in which cramping and pain can occur without any obvious injury.Extra uric acid deposits in the soft tissues in the form of tiny crystals causing cramping and pain.This can be checked by getting blood uric acid levels examined.

3.Lowered calcium levels in blood- This can also lead to a condition called hypocalcemic tetany causing cramping.
Blood calcium level testing can confirm this.

I suggest you to use a compression bandage around the affected part,take rest.
Apply local analgesic gels and do hot fomentation.

Anti inflammatory tablets will help relieve the cramping.

Let me know once you get the blood tests done.

I hope the answer was useful.

Thank you.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D