Causes of Toe Pain and Treatment
Toe pain has several causes, from injuries to chronic health conditions and joint deformities. Most causes of toe pain are not serious and can be managed with conservative treatment.
However, pain can significantly affect your ability to bear weight through your toes which can limit your ability to comfortably stand and walk.
This article will discuss common causes of toe pain, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider for toe pain:
What's Wrong With My Toe?
Toes are small, but they have a large job. They help you walk and run and keep your balance, too. So if your toe hurts, it can be a big deal. There are a lot of reasons you may have an aching toe. There's always the chance you stubbed it, of course, or banged it up while playing sports. But there are also problems like hammertoe or arthritis that could be to blame. Watch out for some telltale symptoms and check with your doctor to figure out the cause.
Hammertoe, Mallet Toe, and Claw Toe - If one or more of your toes are crooked or curled under, you may have hammer, mallet, or claw toe. Your foot has a strange shape because the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that surround your toe aren't balanced. This causes the toes to bend in an odd position. Your toe may hurt. It's also common to develop a corn or callus because the joint rubs the inside of your shoe.
Each condition has its own distinctive look:
- Hammertoe. The middle joint of your toe bends downwards. This causes your toe to rise up instead of lying flat. It usually occurs in your second, third, and fourth toes.
- Mallet toe. Your toe bends down at the joint closest to the nail. Like hammertoe, it often happens in your second, third, and fourth toes.
- Claw toe. Like the name suggests, your toes make a claw shape. The joint at the base of the toe bends up, while the two other joints bend down. This causes your toe to curl and dig into the soles of your shoes.
My Aching Feet: Symptoms of Arthritis in Toes
Arthritis commonly attacks joints in the hands, knees, and hips, but it can also occur in the toes. Depending on the cause and symptoms of your toe arthritis, several kinds of treatment can help you.
Different types of arthritis can cause toe pain. Sometimes the cartilage wears away between the bones. Without the protective cartilage, bones rub together.
This inflames the tissue and causes pain and swelling. If you’re experiencing toe pain, read on to find out if arthritis may be the cause.
Toe pain
There are lots of causes of toe pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But see a GP if the pain does not improve. How to ease toe pain yourself. If you see a GP about toe pain, they'll usually suggest trying these things:
Do:
- rest and raise your foot when you can
- put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole
- use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)
- buddy strap a broken toe – put a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between your sore toe and the next toe, and use tape to loosely strap it up (do not do this for a big toe or a badly broken toe)
- try regular gentle stretching exercises
Don't:
- do not walk or stand for long periods
- do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes
