There are several reasons why people may experience toe pain. These can include having a broken toe, an ingrown toenail, or the painful foot condition that is known as gout. Nerve pain can develop from having tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can lead to toe pain. Pain that affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes may come from having Morton’s neuroma, which generally develops from frequently wearing high heels. Another painful foot condition is known as tennis toe, and is quite unsightly. This condition causes blood to pool under the toenail, and happens from constantly jamming the toe against the top of the shoe. The nail will turn a red and black color, and prompt medical attention is required to prevent toe joint pain. If you have toe pain for any reason, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and treat it accordingly. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. 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 our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.