Toe pain can stem from a variety of conditions, each affecting movement and comfort in different ways. Bunions and bunionettes are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe or the little toe, often causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with footwear. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain in the toes, sometimes making walking difficult. Infections such as ingrown toenails or fungal conditions may also cause discomfort, redness, and tenderness. Additionally, inflammatory issues like gout can result in sudden, intense pain and swelling, especially in the big toe. If you have developed toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Trauma
- Sports injury
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Corns and calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Blisters
- Ingrown toenails
- Sprains
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
When to See a Podiatrist
- Severe pain
- Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
- Signs of infection
- Continued swelling
- Pain that prevents walking
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.