The patches numb the area and for me take about a hour to work. My toes also hurt and severly cramp, I've had great sucess witha 2" by4" patch across the bottom of my foot on the pad just under the toes and I also put another small patch on the top of my foot justbelow the toes. If the whole foot hurt and tingles then I put a very small patch on either side of my ankle just below the big bone. since lidoderm is so expensive i use the smallest patch that works. If its going to work you should feel better by two hours. I put soft socks on over the patches and generally use them at night to help me sleep.