Toe joint pain often affects the big toe, which absorbs much of the body’s weight when walking. This discomfort can stem from a variety of causes. Gout is one of the most common, resulting from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint that leads to sudden pain. Structural problems like hammertoes, mallet toes, and claw toes can also strain toe joints, causing inflammation and stiffness over time. A bunion, which forms when the big toe pushes inward toward the others, creates pressure and misalignment that may result in toe joint pain. A form of arthritis in the big toe, called hallux rigidus, leads to stiffness and difficulty in bending the joint. Toe joint pain may also result from turf toe, which involves stretched ligaments due to the toe bending too far back. If you are experiencing pain in toe joints, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
