What Causes Toe Cramps? 8 Possible Causes

Being startled in the middle of the night (or sporadically during the day) with toe cramps can be annoying, jarring, and quite painful.

But, by identifying the potential causes behind these cramps, you may be able to help lessen the number or severity of your toe cramps.

In this article, we will cover some of the potential causes of toe cramps to help you pinpoint what may be going on.

1. Dehydration

Losing too much water from your body during an illness, or simply not drinking enough water during the day to stay hydrated can bring on toe cramps due to electrolyte imbalances.

Take extra care to get enough water during the day, 8 8-ounce glasses at minimum, to ensure that your toe cramps are not hydration related.

If you exercise a lot, spend time out in the hot sun, or are battling a cold or flu, you will need to increase your water consumption to stay hydrated.

2. Poorly fitting footwear

Wearing shoes that are not supportive enough, too large, or too small can put additional strain on all of the muscles, bones, and ligaments that work together to help you get around.

Over time, this additional foot strain can put the feet and toes at a higher risk of cramping.

Wear shoes with adequate support and have your feet fitted to ensure you have a good fit to see if your cramps are footwear related.

3. Lack of exercise

Muscles need to be used on a regular basis to stay strong and function properly, not to mention getting a healthy dose of good circulation.

You may find your cramps worsening or becoming more frequent during the time that you are very sedentary.

Make a point to walk around a little bit if you have been sitting in one place for a while, and incorporate moderate exercise into your weekly routine to get those muscles moving.

4. Certain medications or conditions

Conditions that cause structural changes to your feet, metabolic changes throughout your body, or nerve problems could increase the number of toe cramps you experience.

Also, certain medications can cause you to have more toe cramping such as blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, birth control pills, or diuretics.

While you may not be able to stop taking a medication that is causing you cramping, it is important to mention any new side effects to your doctor, including more toe cramps.

5. Overuse or lack of stretching

If you have recently gone from couch potato to training for a marathon, your feet may be reeling a little bit from the swift increase in use.

Listen to your body when increasing physical exercise or incorporating new activities, always take things slow, and rest if your feet are in pain or cramping excessively.

Stretching appropriately before physical exercise may help limit foot and toe cramping during and after strenuous activities.

6. Foot or leg injury

Sometimes, prior injuries to the leg, foot, or toe areas may come along with lingering toe cramping.

If you do have a foot injury, make sure to listen to your doctor in terms of your recommended treatments and resting period to ensure everything heals properly.

7. Nerve damage

Nerve damage in the legs and feet can be common, especially in those with diabetes.

In those with diabetic neuropathy, taking care to properly manage your blood sugar by eating right and taking your medications as prescribed may help prevent additional nerve damage contributing to your toe cramps.

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you may benefit from adding in a nerve support supplement to your foot care regimen.*

Learn more about nerve support supplement NeuraZenx from Zen Nutrients today.*

8. Poor circulation

Lack of proper blood flow to tissues is the perfect environment for toe cramps.

Moving around regularly can help blood travel all throughout your tissues, including to your toes.

If you have a condition that contributes to your poor circulation, improving that condition may help improve your overall circulation.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.