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Pinky toe pain can result from various conditions affecting the skin, nerves, and joints. Corns, caused by friction or pressure from tight shoes, create painful, hardened areas on the toe. Footwear that squeezes the toes or lacks support can lead to discomfort and misalignment. Nerve issues, such as pinched nerves or neuropathy, may cause tingling, burning, or sharp pain. Overuse from repetitive movements or excessive walking can strain the toe, leading to soreness and inflammation. Additionally, arthritis, particularly in older adults, can cause stiffness, swelling, and persistent pain in the small joints of the toe. If you have pain in your pinky toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
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.

An ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. The big toe is the most common site of an ingrown toenail, and improper nail trimming is a leading cause. Cutting the toenails too short or rounding their edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes, repetitive pressure from physical activities, and excessive sweating can also increase the risk. Some people have naturally curved or thick nails that make them more prone to this condition. Ingrown toenails are more common in teenagers and young adults, with males affected more often than females. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected, making daily activities difficult. A podiatrist can provide treatment, including lifting the nail, trimming properly, or surgery to remove part or all of the affected nail. Proper footwear and trimming nails straight across can help to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Prolonged inactivity may impose unintended pressure across various regions of the foot, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. When one remains sedentary, muscles weaken and tissues lose resilience, causing abnormal weight distribution on the plantar surface. This uneven pressure is often concentrated beneath the heel, midfoot, and forefoot, resulting in callus formation and inflammation. Over time, restricted movement may compromise blood flow and nerve sensitivity, further aggravating foot pain and stiffness. These cumulative effects not only hinder everyday activities but also risk accelerating immobility. Integrating gentle stretching and regular exercise can mitigate these adverse outcomes while reinforcing natural foot mechanics. Regular movement not only alleviates pressure but also fosters significantly improved circulation and overall foot strength. For any persistent foot pain or emerging complications, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and advice tailored to your needs.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.