Toe joint pain can significantly affect mobility and comfort. Metatarsalgia causes pain in the ball of the foot, often from excessive pressure on the metatarsal bones leading to toes. This discomfort can worsen with activity as well as wearing tight footwear. Hammertoe deformities also contribute to toe pain as one or more toes bend abnormally, leading to pressure and irritation. Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes, causes sharp, burning pain and tingling sensations. Osteoarthritis is another common cause that results in joint degeneration and stiffness, which make movement difficult. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the cause.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.