Why do my toes clench up?

Question

For no particular reason, and without anything that I know of changing in my diet, exercise, etc., I've had my toes just clench up, really tightly, several times in the past two weeks. It's usually when I'm just standing for a few minutes (I'm a part-time teacher), and they feel like they're about to tie themselves up in knots, or possibly to cross over each other. I try to stretch them or at least hold them in position, because I really feel they'll snap into some kind of ball. It's painful, but mostly it's scary, because I don't know why.

When they're not cramping, there is no pain, and no limit to motion.

Nothing different in diet, daily patterns, shoes, exercise. I'm 56, not heavy (5'8, 150 lbs), never had any kind of problem, operation, or spent a night in a hospital. 

I don't have health insurance, so please don't say, "Get it checked out!" If I don't know what to check, I can't check it out. Random tests cost thousands and act mostly as the hospital's revenue and insurance.

Glenda C · Accepted Answer

my husband has this problem too... try eating at least one banana a day, has lots of good stuff for you... make sure you are getting enough calcium, try yogurt if you have problems with milk....
Also foot soaks in warm water with good ol' Epsom salts, keep it warm, not scalding! then get a tennis ball after the soak, roll it firmly back and forth on the floor with your feet, getting into the arch area for about 10 minutes each foot. But only do this after your soak, or you may cause more cramps.
 you can try changing your shoes also... sometimes just walking in the same pair of shoes can cause the foot to become "tight" and cramped... I have three different styles of shoes I wear, a low (1/2 ") heel for dress, a good pair of "tennies" with solid arch support, and my clogs that also offer arch support. Try going barefoot at home, and relax those feet with the soak.  Find someone that really loves you to give you a good foot massage with baby oil or lotion for a few nights at least, again after the soak.. no " cold" muscle rubs..If it still persists you may need to "bite the bullet" and shell out money for a doctor or chiropractor,

? · Answer

Clenching Toes

Anonymous · Answer

My toes clench too sometimes. I don't notice it. If I notice it, I can straighten them out. I think it's hereditary because my children have this habit too when they're sleeping or relaxing. It's harmless, so it's probably best to let it be.

everythinguknowiswrong · Answer

It has something to do with the tendons in your leg being too tight for one reason or another. If I were you I'd try gentle daily stretching, a good calcium and magnesium supplement (the magnesium will be more important, magnesium citrate is the most effective for relaxing muscles). Hot baths with epsom salts added to ease your muscles and promote blood flow. Never massage your legs, this can lead to thrombosis.

Health Management &amp; Nutrition · Answer

This sounds like what most people refer to as a "charlie horse".  This is a muscle spasm, it may be caused by lack of potassium in your diet or by a more serious condition that may be a vascular problem that causes the blood flow to lessen to your feet when you stand.  You may wish to contact a local podiatrist, if you are self pay they are most always willing to reduce the cost of the office visit and give you a payment plan.

Why do my toes clench up?

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