Toe Cramps | Arthritis Information

Just curious, does anyone seem to have or had a increase in toe cramps a being part of RA? I have awful toe cramps, they ping off at the worst time, sleeping, watching tv, relaxing.

Anyone?

I get them in the soles of my feet quite often. Hurt like hell

I used to get toe cramps, but they've settled down in the past few months. I hated it when they would happen - no warning at all and like you, it could be at anytime. If I knew why they slowed down, I'd let you know, but not sure of the reason.

Cathy

I get them all the time, weird contortions of my toes and feet they hurt like hell.Holy cow...I thought I might be the only one that had these! It feels like a Charley horse in my foot when these hit. And my left foot also feels like there is a lump in the sole when I bear weight on it. The cramps seem to happen the most when I try and flex my toes.

Bob

Yes they hurt like hell. I have to stand on my foot to get it to stop. I wear Crocs with fur linning around our house, hard wood floors hurt my feet anymore. I'd sleep in the things but frowned upon by DH.

I woke up a few nights ago cursing like crazy and scared the crap out of my wife. She thought I was dying or something, just had a BAD cramp in the toes. Boy these things do hurt. I think I'll ask the RD about them next week.Yes, usually if I stretch my toes, they cramp and lock up, very painful! Regards Janie. You could have low potassium. I had them for awhile and was told to eat a banana every day and it sure helped me out.

Thanks CinDee, that is what my mom said. I was going to pick some up yesterday but never made it to the grocery. I have plans to go today with my DH. So Banana is on the list.

Tink

I also get cramps in my hips, legs, and hands. I take muscle relaxers and they sure loosen things up.

Haven’t tried the muscle relaxers, I did read a suggestion on another thread to try drinking tonic water. So bananas, tonic water, and a muscle relaxer. Bet the combo would do the trick!

seriously, thanks for the ideas! I appreciate it.

no problem, I hope you get some relief soon. It's no fun.Yes,

I have gotten them while driving, putting on pants, even just stretching/flexing my feet. they are extremely painful. I usually have to bear weight on them before they stop or the cramps will just be continuous. very painful though. sorry you get them too.Tinkerbell - I get toe cramps, but its from my low back collapsing on me four years ago. I recently bought the Arthritis Foundation's Take Control With Exercise tape, and it specifically has exercises for leg cramps (which is a chronic problem for me since childhood) and then exercises for the toes - it helps. Good luck ~~ CathyThanks, you know I haven't exercised for about 4 months. I do good to just keep moving. Yeah, I bet the lack of exercise and not eating right added with the stress of not feeling well all contribute to the feet cramps.

Should I try to push through the pain and go swimming at the Y?

Not something I really want to even try, but I would if it would help.

Well, exercise and extra calcium always has worked for me with leg cramping. The toes are at the mercy of my DDD and the nerves being affected at any given moment. But, with all exercise, start slow. I was shocked at how hard its been to get into this easy exercise video after doing kick boxing classes, ballet, pilates, etc. etc. in my younger years, and pilates was three years ago. I am finally realizing how fragile I have become - but I am 52 plus have osteoporosis from the predisone.

justsaynomore;

Have you taken prednisone for very long. Did you get the osteoporosis in just 3 years? I have had a burst pack, it helped a lot. My Doc started me on plaquenil it has been 2 months, nothing yet. Except some days seem better, then the next is like I never felt any better.

Wonder if the Prednisone is a option for me. I ate better, and felt better taking the burst pack. I read that a lot of people have taken it a long time. Wonder why my Doctor only gave me a burst pack?

I also understand how hard it is to re-condition your body for exercise. But the benefits are wonderful once you get in the "zone". I have ALWAYS felt better exercising. The pain is the real problem. my joints hurt so bad right now. Well, I hope you read this.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

TinkYes my toes on both feet hurt quite a bit, no swelling at all there but quite a bit of pain. I was wondering if that was part of the RA?