Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, but the most common include ingrown toenails, bunions, and blisters. Various types of arthritis and diabetes can also lead to toe pain. If you feel your toe is painful to the touch, shoes should be checked for a proper fit. They may be too tight, not supportive enough, or have heels that are too high. Resting and elevating the foot may also help relieve temporary toe pain. When there is redness, warmth, or swelling, there could be an infection requiring immediate medical attention. If you are having pain in your toes and it is not subsiding or is worsening, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment for you. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.