What Are The Yogasanas For Pain In The Toe Joint
A toe pain mostly occurs when you develop a corn which is a form of callus of dead skin cells formed due to repeated friction. The nerve gets pressured and as a result an acute pain is caused. The most common reasons for the toe joint pain are as follows:
- High heeled shoes which cause stress on the toe
- Tight shoes that cramp the toes
- Tight fitting socks or stockings causing stress in the toe joint
- Loose fitting shoes that result in friction pains due to movement of the foot inside the shoe
- Toenails which grow inwards
This case of toe joint pain occurring due to mechanical stress on the big toes is called osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The yogasanas which is most effective in the cure of toe joint pain is called Supta Padangusthasana or Reclining Big Toe Pose.
In sanskrit, the word supta means lying down, pada is used for the foot and angustha means big toe. Supta Padangusthasana offers relief from toe joint pain, backache, and relieves pain in the hamstrings, calves, and hips by stretching them.
How To Practice The Asana: This asana involves lying on the floor with the arms stretched along the body and legs extended as far as possible. Breathe in and bend the left knee inwards drawing the thigh into your torso. Hold the toe of the left leg with your left hand while breathing out. Breathe in again and simultaneously hold the left leg’s toe and press the left heel upwards. Raise your leg at a 90 degree angle to the floor. Extend the elbows to the maximum and stretch your collarbones by pressing the shoulders into the floor. Now raise the right leg and the arm to around half a feet above the floor by stretching the body. Breathe deeply and then repeat these steps.
Precautions: When carried out properly, this asana will help in reducing toe joint pain to a considerable extent. It is advisable to keep a note of the symptoms that generally occur before the toe pain becomes severe. Another reason for the occurrence of toe joint pain can be the natural process of aging. Also, it is best to consult a yoga expert or a doctor, especially in severe cases, before performing any exercises. A qualified yoga teacher will be able to guide you towards the correct method of performing the asana so that you don’t aggravate your condition.
