Toe Pain

Toe Pain

There is one tough toe problem that bothers adults. And this one needs urgent intervention and tender care.

Symptoms

“The subject wakes up at 1:00 a.m. with excruciating pain in the big toe, with no apparent cause or injury. Upon close examination under bright illumination, a slight swelling is found around the joint between big toe and foot (metatarsal-phalangeal joint), very tender to touch. The pain is often unbearable and the usual technique of hot/cold compress is of little use. At times even walking becomes extremely painful.”

The disease, known as gout has been around for hundreds of years. It affects mostly men and predominantly it is prevalent in cold climates. Though often associated with alcohol and rich (animal) protein food, anyone can get it - due to the evil coincidence of many factors. Some association is found between the use of diuretics and gout. Its sister (affliction) is kidney stones.

Key factors

Extreme cold climate, low levels of fluid intake (water), and high levels of uric acid are the main contributing factors. Human body needs uric acid, so at normal levels it poses no problem. Often, a vicious confluence of all these factors leads to an acute attack. So, if possible avoid extreme cold. Try to take one extra glass of water before going to bed (or spread around the day). Take vitamin supplements daily – particularly vitamin C. Cut down a little on protein rich foods during winter times or at least during the acute phase. High doses of fructose and fasting are also contributing factors.

Cure and Management

Vitamin C helps in eliminating excess uric acid from the system. A dose of 500 mg per day is enough to yield promising results. Rose hips contain high levels of vitamin C; perhaps, this is one of the most inexpensive sources of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Towards the end of summer season, I have often seen bunches of rose hips hanging idly on the thorny bushes. The Indian gooseberry (fresh fruit) also seems to be a rich source of vitamin C. Grandmothers used to say that gooseberry pickle has many medicinal properties (for warding off ulcers in the mouth, etc.). Ascorbic acid is rather a delicate vitamin, can easily be destroyed in cooking. Cranberry juice (and cranberry pickle) is another source of vitamin C.

Fructose, particularly in large quantities, seems to aggravate the ailment. So, it is better to avoid very sweet (over ripened) bananas or other sugary fruits. Also, honey (invert sugar) too should be avoided during the acute stage. Moderation is the key word. Once the disease is well under control, occasional indulgences in a small piece of ripe banana or chocolate cookie will do no harm. High fructose corn syrup – is the real culprit here. So, read carefully ingredients of cookies and other confectionary items. Always look for juices without high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

The traditional Indian Ayurveda practitioners are fully well versed in the treatment of joint pains and inflammation. The patient should strictly follow their advice about dietary restrictions. Of the vegetarian protein sources, it is advisable to avoid (or at least limit) the use of peanuts and black gram (urad dal), especially during winter months.

So, what to do during a sudden attack? A good doctor will be able to diagnose properly and prescribe modern medicines. For a full recovery and proper management, the patient has to make a few lifestyle changes. Not, very difficult, if one is a little bit flexible. Through the pain, the body is sending subtle signals. Get rid of sedentary habits, get up and take long walks, bike riding, shoveling snow, or yoga – whichever suits you.

Yoga

Sarvanga-asana, Vira-asana, and Paschimothana-asana will yield good results for this ailment. Also, Surya-namaskarams will help in reducing the severity. Swami Vishnu Devananda, in one of the pages gave excellent suggestion for all foot problems: Gently try to walk on toes and heels, do it slowly alternatively. You can practice this on hardwood floor, carpet, or on soft grass (if need be, with insulating woolen socks). Till you get proper balance, use a stick, wall, or fence for support. It promotes good blood circulation in the feet, preserves and strengthens good arches, and gives a gentle massage to the sole.

Once the acute pain has vanished, you can give gentle massage (with warm sesame seed oil, olive oil, ghee, Iodex, or Narayana Tailam) around the big toe. Regular exercise and daily massage should make the injured toe normal. During the acute phase, you cannot do any massage. But you can dip the painful toe in a bucket with cold water, then switch to a bucket with warm water. Then back to cold water. Or, you can give similar treatment while taking a shower bath.

Pain has a salutary effect on the human body. It makes the mind concentrate and slip into meditation. The great Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal would go into hours of meditation during high temperature fever bouts. He would just describe it thus: It is like sitting in the midst of five fire places and doing meditation (or penance). Why not? Pain, any ailment for that matter, teaches us the fragility of human body. It imparts us much needed humility – after all even with loads of money, at times, you cannot buy immediate cure. Simply not possible. In a tera Hertz cell phone obsessed, instant gratifying world – only pain can teach some valuable lessons of life. Karma has to be depleted slowly through episodes of pain.