Let me start by saying I have a lot of spine problems Cervical,lumbar and thoracic so I guess maybe that is why the cramping and pain in feet and toes are getting worse.It started with zinging pain underneath my toes when I walked... NOW It is so bad that I cant get out of bed fast enough and some times its hard to stop my toes from curling in, and the pain is HORRIBLE!! And once I do get my toes straight I have to keep my feet flat on the bed with my legs bent. Has anyone had this problem?What test should I have
Why do my feet and toes curl and cramp severely at night?
Question posted by skeeter b on 26 June 2013
Last updated on 1 March 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
29 Answers Page 2
Tessa 2
2 Feb 2017
I have suffered with the same type of foot musle spasms for years and ended up with 3 fusions. The foot spasms started a few months after I began running daily. After spinal fusions I could no longer run but walked daily instead. Over the years the spasms got worse especially at night and I would have to get out of bed and stand on it to get it to calm down. No amount of water, minerals, vitamins or diet changed helped. The only thing that did bring relief was to use Yoga Toes daily before going to bed and sometimes sleeping with them on. Later on I had a cyst form on top of my foot and had to see a podiatrist to have removed. He did an x-ray and I discovered I had bunions which was also a cause of an ingrown toenail. I have just recently had my right bunion corrected surgically and the doc also tightening and adjusted the tendons that stretches across each metatarsal. I have not had spasm in that foot since.
I am convinced the bunion which got worse over the years was the culprit and what did my back in also as I was not planting my feet right on the ground. It would do everyone good to see a podiatrist yearly for an evaluation as your feet are the foundation to the tower of your body. Im not saying that's the problem with everyone however, I believe anytime anyone has back pain we must first look to see if the foundation is sturdy and balanced. Hope this helps.
Connielou
21 Jan 2017
I too have terrible toe cramps that extend to my ankle. The pain is terrible & my toes become rigid. I was diagnosed with Mortons neuroma years ago & had shots in my foot. Now my Dr says it is worse & causing the cramping. It seems that the nerve between the 2 nd & 3rd toes gets inflamed. Those toes have also been numb for years. He suggests I get the surgery but I have problems with healing so am undecided. Has anyone had the surgery?
Erbaddnaddot
19 Jan 2017
So sad to see that many others go through this incredible pain I've experienced tonight. I haven't cried like that since labor pains. Seriously! Thx so much for providing answers. Several of you mentioned hydration. I didn't realize an Rx I just started yesterday had severely dehydrated me! I'm so grateful for finding this site! Sipping water for about 90 minutes has worked perfectly for me. Thank you!!! I guess different things can cause cramping toes but clearly my problem was dehydration. The thing is, I usually hydrate all day long. I'm in my 60s now, but 30 years ago an ENT in Washington DC taught me how to avoid getting bronchitis as I always did each winter.
He said if my family would start a large humidifier on the very same day we turned on the heat in the fall or winter, and keep it in an area near an intake vent for the heating system in our house (so the moisture could ventilate throughout the house) and if I stayed "truly hydrated" I wouldn't have to worry about getting bronchitis again. I rolled my eyes and told him I DID stay hydrated. He asked me how. I rattled off all the beverages I drink through the day. He pointed out most of them are actually dehydrants. (Coffee, caffeinated tea, soda, wine) I admitted he had a point, but asked "don't germs & bacteria need moisture to thrive? Hydrating the air and myself sounds counterproductive" He explained they can only get a foothold in DRY conditions (who knew!?) and we get sick when cold weather comes because we put the heat on and it dries out the air incredibly. He said almost everybody believes they hydrate properly, but almost nobody really does, not enough to take care of their body's needs. Water is best, and sipping it throughout the day and having it with meals is best, and totally worth all the extra trips to the bathroom. This ENT changed my life. That was 1986. All these years later, I've never had bronchitis again. I've only had two small colds (when I traveled without remembering to bring my small humidifier to use in the hotel room) I also had a case of strep throat while working, after sitting all day in a small trailer that had a very strong heater in it. The air was incredibly dry. I went through all the bottles of water I brought with me and didn't want to bother anybody else to ask for more. Boy did that cost me. A whopping case of strep throat. Still, in 30 years, having only 2 small colds & strep throat is amazing, for me. I had bronchitis every winter before 1986, and would often lose my voice which would end up costing me work. But since 1986, we run our home humidifier (2 five-gallon tanks) every day we have the heater on and keep it clean and filled with water. Each winter, we have to keep filling up the tanks every few hours the first few days because the air is like a sponge. After that we only have to refill them daily. And it's important to always clean it well at the end of the winter, or sooner if the water in it has been sitting still while you were away from home or something. Since 1986 I've always sipped water throughout the day, in addition to drinking it with meals. If I do have a beer or glass of wine I always drink even more water to counterbalance the alcohol per the doctor's instructions. I wanted to tell you guys this and maybe return the favor of the gift you gave me: reminding me of hydration. I live in a different part of the country now and for the first time in my life just developed severe allergies. I forgot the antihistamines I'm taking are extremely dehydrating, so I need more water than usual. But today's been crazy busy so I hadn't been sipping water! I realize now my mouth was almost as dry today as it was that day I sat in that trailer with the heater going and ended up with strep throat. You guys probably not only helped cure my horribly painful toe cramping, you might have saved me another serious illness. I'm beyond grateful.
penny harney
6 Nov 2016
I dont know?
Whoknew22
2 Nov 2016
Try yellow mustard!!!
SweetPea54
18 Dec 2015
My dad is 91 and extremely active..mentally and physically, a vegetarian and has had severe calf, foot and toe cramps at night for around 5 years and it was infuriating to him that doctors couldn't help him and believe me, they tried. He found by himself what he calls the best remedy to stop those cramps. Beet ROOT Juice. He hasn't had one single cramp for over a year now..not one..and swears that is what solved his problem. If you read about it..it slightly opens the veins so the blood flows easier..plus many, many other great things it does for the organs. Don't forget it has to be organic beet ROOT juice. Not just beet juice. Good luck!
RyzziBlue
4 Aug 2016
As I was reading this thread, my toes, ball of foot, & ankle were cramping fiercely. After reading about the earlier comment about drinking a salt water mix, I wet my fingertip & dipped it in a pile of salt about 4-5 times then I chased it with some water. A few posts down, I read your comment about Beet Root Juice. I use a powdered drink mix product that has that in it, so I mixed the powder packet in about 7-8 ounces of water. While shaking it up, I had flexed my toes completely & was stretching them against the floor at a 90-degree angle. I took 2-3 swigs of my pomegranate flavored drink & my toes started relaxing!!! :-o By the time I finished the 7-8 ounce beverage, my toes relaxed to normal & did not cramp again!!!
I can't be for sure, but I think it was the salt, but it could have been the beet root juice, too! What's odd, is I do not hurt for salt consumption, I use it on my food regularly, especially this time of year with fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes on the counter all the time! It may have been helped by the beet root juice, too... Either way, cramping stopped after being persistent for about 45-mins +/-. Unlike many of you, this is not a chronic issue for me, I can't even say when I last had a foot cramp. It's not a back issue either, so I had no idea how to make it stop!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Zuhirah06
20 Jan 2017
Some times when I get up in the bed I feel my feet tightening up I sleep with a bar of soap under my sheet, and believe me as long as I feel that soap my feet are fine. When I first heard of this my daughter had told me about it then I read it so I said it won't hurt to try, that bar of soap has been my bed partner for a few months when I change my sheets I make sure I don't forget to put it back. Something from the fumes coming from the soap is what releases the pain.
Lkaj
2 Dec 2015
I'm actually just wrapping up a painful episode right now. I had severe episodes every now and then. One was so bad I had to go to the hospital. This was about 8 years ago. I was sent to a podiatrist and was diagnosed with Tarsal Tunnel and prescribed muscle relaxers. A few months later I found out I was pregnant and topped taking the meds. I had been doing well for years (just a handful of episodes per year) but now they are coming with more frequency. My feet and toes spasm and bend against my will. I have to force my feet in the opposite direction of the pulling. After reading more about tarsal tunnel I'm not sure if that's what I have. I'm making an appt with my doctor first thing.
rabnud88
1 Sep 2015
Like you, I have a number of problems besides cramping feet (and calves). I began taking a name brand non prescription drug made up of Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamin D3. Usually I take this pill in the morning and it's never failed me yet. FWIW, magnesium is the primary ingredient that I was told would stop the cramps. They've definitely stopped - for several years now. I would have purchased only the magnesium if I could have found it locally, but this mixture is as close as I could come. An emergency cure when you already have the cramps is about 4 oz of water mixed with a heaping tablespoon of table salt. Naturally you wouldn't want to take this every day, but if you run out of whatever you ultimately decide to take, this home remedy will work and in just a few seconds. That said, if you have any issues with salt, this solution wouldn't be recommended.
Regarding your back and feet ailments, depending on what level your spine is injured, impinged, etc., one can end up with acute or chronic (me) numbness in one or both feet. Unless you mentioned it and I missed it, there is no cure for this that I'm aware of. Foot problems can be related to the back or one of the various types of peripheral neuropathy. This disorder has many variations and you can cause barely noticeable problems to fairly severe issues that affect the feet and and other areas of the body.. It wouldn't hurt to be checked out for peripheral neuropathy, because it definitely can affect your feet, but it does require a few tests to find out whether you do or don't have it and what type of peripheral neuropathy you have (if you have it).
arlyce
23 April 2016
From reading the comments by fellow sufferers of Toe cramping/numb toes, and like some of you major back surgery, Titanium bars, tons of Titanium scres, Fushion and Cadaver bones.
The Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D sounds great. I was previously on 3500 mg Neurontin for a Neuroma and had zero side affects. I am going to try the vitamin you stated, so thank you for the suggestion!!
RyzziBlue
4 Aug 2016
As I was reading this thread, my toes, ball of foot, & ankle were cramping fiercely. After reading about the salt, I wet my fingertip & dipped it in a pile of salt about 4-5 times and I chased it with some water. A few posts down, I read a comment about Beet Root Juice. I use a drink mix product that has that in it, so I mixed the powder packet in about 3-4 ounces of water. While shaking it up, I had flexed my toes complete & was stretching them against the floor at a 90-degree angle. I took 2-3 swigs of my pomegranate flavored drink & my toes started relaxing!!! :-o By the time I finished the 7-8 ounce beverage, my toes relaxed to normal & did not cramp again!!!
I can't be for sure, but I think it was the salt!!! What's odd, is I do not hurt for salt consumption, I use it on my food regularly, especially this time of year with fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes on the counter all the time! It may have been helped by the beet root juice, too... Either way, cramping stopped after being persistent for about 45-mins +/-. Unlike many of you, this is not a chronic issue for me, I can't even say when I last had a foot cramp. It's not a back issue either, so I had no idea how to make it stop!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Kayla44
27 March 2017
I have a herniated disk and 3 bulgeing disk I had a lamanectomy 6 months ago been having low back pain ever since
My feet are numb my toes don't move on both feet and are numb now I've started having cramps in both feet all day everyday on and off every 5 minutes the pain is also in my ankles and calfs at night I can't sleep because of the cramps I also have sciatic pain I'm on hydrocodone for pain I'm getting another MRI SOON
BUT RIGHT NOW FEELS LIKE IM DIEING
Kayla44
27 March 2017
I have a herniated disk and 3 bulgeing disk I a lamanectomy 6 months ago been having low back pain ever since
My feet are numb my toes don't move on both feet and are numb now I've started having cramps in both feet all day everyday on and off every 5 minutes the pain is also in my ankles and calfs at night I can't sleep because of the cramps I also have sciatic pain I'm on hydrocodone for pain I'm getting another MRI SOON
BUT RIGHT NOW FEELS LIKE IM DIEING
JudyFl
5 Oct 2017
I think magnesium has to be hot with a prescription.
wwhiting
31 Aug 2015
Poo circulation related to spinal stenosis or PVD.
ren85
16 March 2015
I have also had a similar issue. Horrible pain! I have had shots in my back that have helped my back and sciatic nerve pain, but now my feet are cramping and curling up. I had some foot pain, mostly on the top and toes, now it's unbearable! I have an appointment with my Pain Management Dr. then I will follow up with the Neurologist and Podiatrist. One word of advice - Do not take Neurontin!!! I took it and it worked great at first and then came the psychotic episodes. There is a class action Lawsuit against the Manufacture. I will follow up if I get any real answers. God Bless during this difficult time!
Dema0414
5 April 2015
I have found that there are many deficiencies that can cause leg and foot cramping - potassium as mentioned, but also calcium, vitamin D and magnesium. Potassium more so than the others, but the others can make a big difference. If you get too much magnesium it can cause nausea and diarrhea. Vitamin D overdose has been in the press, but it turns out you need many times the daily requirement to cause problems. And calcium overdose can be bad for men, but isn't likely for women. So, don't go crazy, but taking an extra 50% to 100% of the daily requirement for a few days to see if it helps would be worth a try. I find it doesn't take long to know.
ren85
10 April 2015
Thank you for your response!
Tsmith202
22 April 2015
I have the same problem. Rhett has the right idea. If I take the time to warm my feet before going to bed, and keep them warm with socks or blankets, I do not have the toe cramps. Don't take anything for it.
sharsoc
24 May 2015
Have difficulties with discomfort in both legs due to a variety of back issues and have had those terrible foot and leg cramps. However, athough I have always taken supplements which are suggested, I still get them. The bottom line, from researching is that: magnesium and potassium are good supplements but a lack of is not the cause of the cramps. It has not been determined what causes them but it has been verified that they tend to increase with age. I keep researching and trying different things. I try to keep track of what I have eaten which might provoke incidences, whether I have spent too much time on my feet or too much heavy work or yard work, but there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Sorry. Learning to just deal with some of the issues which accompany aging. Some are great, some are not.
nmotiondance
9 July 2015
Please keep us posted on that class action suit as I know about the psychotic episodes and lil green men
nmotiondance
9 July 2015
Please keep us posted on that class action suit as I know about the psychotic episodes and lil green men
Kt0072017
3 Feb 2017
I am sorry about your reaction with neurontin. There is a VERY small number of people it does not work for. I have been on it (with tylonol3) since 2003, not oxy, loratab or anything else can touch the pain like my two meds. I was ran over by a car and left for dead. I sustained a head injury and permanent nerve damage in my thorasic area. I cannot wear a bra or even a tank top with built in self, i have to get an extra large (I weigh 110) and cut the shelf out. No tight t-shirts that remotely feel like they touch me, I cant be rubbed or hugged.My pain started a few years after the accident. I was in the prime of my life, I rode my bike (same one I was ran over) did push ups and even roffed houses for a summer, I was stealth! Even though I'm a petite red headed girl... but out if nowhere, pain began. I could not lift my arms above my head, it hurt to breath.
My chest felt like a metal bar frim a carnival ride STUCK under my breast plate , it felt like burning and boiling in my arm pits. I though I had cancer. Long story , skip to a nurse practitioner who ordered an MRI, to rule out tumors/leisions... it was nerve damage and a YEAR of playing with diffrent meds... ended up on neurontin and tyl3. It SAVED MY LIFE. Literally. I can do anything I want. , actually became a dancer, 8 years... like an asprin for a headache... my pain wad gone. No up, no down..no high, ... just no pain. I will tell you, ALL OF YOU, when I stopped dancing (exersice)... I would swell emensly in my chest and had to take extra med, went through HORRIBLE neuroligic problems, lost the use of my hands a while... now, its my leg... my left foot does the curling thing, have to step it against wall or floor, and lately my calf is painful and stiff... but, i started dancing again, so hopefully my body will loosen. There really is something to be said for physical therapy... and neurontin! Im sorry it didmt work for you... im alergic to popular antibiotics and benedryl. I am 1% of people it gives leg cramps to.
cleo130
13 Nov 2022
Please be cautious about telling a person not to take a medication because of your bad experience. I have been taking Neurontin(Gabapentin) for years and have never experienced a psychotic episode.
RhettZ
31 Dec 2014
I have had cramps in my toes, my calf's and on the side of my knees where a bulge protrudes for about 30 years., plus this is not every night. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 8-9 years ago. I am allergic to the typical meds to treat this , so I am currently not on anything. I have heard, that there is not enough potassium, magnesium or maybe not drinking enough water. Blood work never shows my levels to be low, except for Vitamin D. It is hard to stand up, walk, sit or don't even think of rolling over if you are laying down. The corny thing is , if I wear socks to bed, 99% of the time I do not have these symptoms... so what is the take on this?
Barbeque
17 Aug 2016
I agree with the sock thing.
I researched severe leg and foot cramps and they also suggested to put a heating pad or hot water bottle at ur feet. Tried it and it worked great!!!
So glad because I've had them so bad I have been in tears and I can't get out of bed to walk around to walk it out. Some have lasted 20-40 min... horrible pain.
Water helps too, I keep lots by my bed and if I don't drink enough water threw out the day... I pay for it with cramps that night.
JudyFl
5 Oct 2017
I take vitamin D, use heating pad, drink Powerade (no calorie). Sometimes the pain is so severe, I am on re verge of calling 911. One night when I went to get out of bed, I fell.
hisdesireherenvy
2 Dec 2014
Hey guys i know exactly what you're going through. I started having those same symptoms to the point where it hurts so bad that sometimes im on the verge of crying. I already had a herniated disc and then was rear ended by a pickup truck, soon after it all went downhill. I am awakened in the middle of the night with painful leg cramps, painful cramps in the arch of my feet are the worst because i'll try to get up to stand in an attempt to stop the spasms but, sometimes it doesn't work. Im currently seeing a PM dr for the pain. I've had epidural blocks with no success. So now my dr has prescribed me percocet and neurontin for the nerve pain. Seems to give a little relief, not much but i guess some is better than none at all. My dr says she wants surgery to be a last resort. Sending well wishes to anyone suffering from this, i share in your pain.
ren85
10 April 2015
Please research Neurontin before you continue taking that drug. I had a physiotic episode after taking Neurontin for about 4 months. There was a class action law suit against the manufacture. Just ~ fyi. Take care!
kmh1610
11 Dec 2017
I also caution you on taking neurontin. My spelling may be incorrect but it's prescribed for nerve pain. I was unaware of lawsuit. Please be careful.
Inactive
1 July 2013
skeeter b. Hey there. I have the exact same problem. I have a couple of spine problems, nerve damage, a bulging disc pressing against nerves, Degenrative Disc Disease, Spinal Stenosis, Anklosing Spondolytis, Osteoarthritis, etc... I have no idea which one or ones are ding it, but not only do my toes do exactly what yours does, but I get this severe cramp like thing in my left leg right below my knee... behind my knee. It's so painful I have to get out of bed and stand on the leg for a few minutes to get it to stop. I've started two different meds. that may be causing it. Gabapentin (Nuerontin) and Meloxicam for fibromyalgia. I'm definitely asking my doctor about it next week at my visit. It started happening right after starting those two. Oh, how I understand what your going through. And it will happen right in the middle of the night too. I wish you the best and your issue subsides, and you get relief soon. Many blessings to you. Ruth
Dorseda
22 Aug 2016
Ruth,
My toes draw and cramp almost nightly. It's very painful and sometimes wakes me up. I too have spondylitis and osteoarthritis and have been taking Meloxicam for two years now. Taking potassium and Magnesium supplements helps some but have not alleviated the problem. I saw that your post is from 2013. Has your condition subsided and have you had luck with any particular treatment? I just saw a new homeopathic product called Hyland's that's especially for foot and leg cramps. Have you heard of that?
I'm anxious to hear from you
Dorseda
JudyFl
5 Oct 2017
I get severe cramps in my lower leg, big toes and hip. I believe back problems are the partial cause. Also meds I have to take so I don't have another heart attack. I drink a glass of sugar free power side daily. When the cramp gets so severe, I wrap the heating pad around it until it lets up and drink more
dracelady
5 Dec 2017
Ruth, I've been on the Meloxicam now for over 20 yrs and so I know this didn't cause my problems and I've been on Nuerontin since my disc's in my neck ruptured and I had the surgery in 2010, so I've been on it for 7 yrs so it can't either be the cause of mine, as my feet and leg problems only begin in the last yr now! I'm hoping that the Dr will see something on my latest blood work. I pray you find out what's causing your severe cramps and pain. Dotty.
CARAMCKINLEY
6 June 2018
The middle of the night is really bad! Thanks for any help because people who don't deal with this just do not understand.
cowgirl keno
26 June 2013
I had foot and leg cramping like that. I have a sleigh bed, and would have to push my feet against the footboard to stop it! I had a hip replaced and it stopped. Low potassium levels can cause muscle cramping, and some medications, in my case cymbalta and bishoporol both deplete my potassium.
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