Toe pain can come on rather suddenly. It might start off as a slight, throbbing pain but might soon worsen into sharp shooting pain. The pain could also affect the entire leg including calf, feet and thighs. Three out of four cases of toe pain occur at night. There are many reasons why toe pain may occur: exercise, injury, pregnancy, certain medications like statins, severe dehydration etc can all cause cramps in the feet and throbbing toe pain. Below are some of the most effective home remedies for toe pain at night that wakes you.
1. Soak toe in hot water
For relief from throbbing toe pain at night, take a basin of hot water and soak your feet in it for up to 20 minutes. You can also add some essential oils in the water. This will lessen the severity of the pain and give you much needed relief if the pain is keeping you up.
2. Use Aloe Vera gel
Warm up some Aloe Vera gel and rub it on the toe joints and ankle. This is a great remedy for toe and ankle pain at night while resting.
3. Change your sleeping position
If you are experiencing foot pain at night only, try elevating the feet by taking support of a few pillows. For people who sleep on their backs, it helps to use the pillows to rest the soles of the feet with toes pointing upwards. In case you sleep on your front, you can hang your feet over the end of the bed.
4. Do some light stretches
A few light stretches of the feet can help prevent cramping of the toes and pain in ankle. Stretches and feet exercises not only prevent cramps but also reduce their severity. Stand straight up against a wall with your heel touching the wall and feet flat on the ground. Wriggle your toes a bit as far as you can without pain. You can also do some ankle rotations by stretching each foot outward and rotating it counterclockwise and clockwise. Do 3 sets of these exercises once or twice a day for quick relief.
5. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda
If the big toe hurts for no reason every night, there may be excess acid in your joints and body. To make your system more alkaline, drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar, baking soda and juice or agave nectar. Doing this regularly will give you much needed relief. You can drink the mixture prior to bedtime or first thing in the morning.
6. Arnica
Arnica is a powerful herbal remedy available in the form of pills, creams or oils. Massaging Arnica cream or oil can help relieve throbbing toe pain at night.
7. Avoid Aspartame
A few dietary changes are essential for avoiding toe pain. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in 1000s of food and beverage products. Avoid aspartame and you will get relief from all kinds of joint pain including sharp pain in big toe at night.
8. Borax
Food grade borax is known to give much needed relief from all kinds of joint aches and pains as well as throbbing pain in the toes. Take ½ tsp in a cup of water daily for 3-4 weeks to see results.
9. Chia seeds
Chia seeds contain omega 3 essential fatty acids which are very important for relief from all kinds of joint aches and pains. Take a tablespoon of chia seeds soaked in a cup of water to get lasting relief from sharp shooting pain in the toes and ankles. Chia seeds hold a lot of water once they are soaked which can give lasting pain relief for pain caused by severe dehydration.
10. Chlorella
Chlorella is a type of blue green algae which is very rich in chlorophyll, iron, calcium, proteins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Taking chlorella regularly can help detoxify the system and get rid of numbness, tingling, and sharp shooting pain in the knees, toes, ankles etc.
11. Drink tons of water
People with pain and inflammation in the joints, ankle or feet must drink 8-10 glasses of water every day to eliminate salts accumulated in the joints.
12. Hydrogen peroxide
Drink 35% food grade Hydrogen peroxide 45 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal to eliminate toxins from the body. This remedy can help prevent toe, knee and ankle pain.
13. Coconut oil
Drink a tablespoon of coconut oil daily and also use it to cook your meals. You can also do oil pulling with coconut oil to eliminate toxins from the system. This will keep your system free from toxins and your joints supple.
14. Fish oil
Fish oil, like chia seeds, is rich in omega essential fatty acids that can improve joint health. Take a good quality supplement if severe toe pain is keeping you up at night.
15. Change your footwear
Tight shoes can sometimes put tremendous pressure on your toes. Try loosening the laces of your sneakers a bit to create some room in the front for your toes. You can also change your footwear for a more comfortable pair and see if it makes any difference in the pain. Gel inserts and padding inside shoes can also help with relieve toe pain.
If your big toe hurts for no reason despite these remedies, have it checked by a doctor. Some underlying health issue or trauma may be causing it.