If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from big toe pain, you know just how debilitating it can be. Not only does it make it difficult to walk or stand, but it can also keep you up at night, which compounds how badly you feel the next day. If you're tired of letting pain call the shots and ready for some solid answers, we can help! Our compassionate Centerville podiatrists at Sunshein Podiatry are ready to listen to your "why" and provide the education and expertise to help you find relief from big toe pain. Here's what you need to know.
What Could Be Causing Your Big Toe Pain?
Big toe pain can stem from a variety of underlying issues, each affecting how you walk, move, and stay active. From joint problems to soft tissue injuries, several common conditions may be responsible for discomfort in this small but essential part of your foot.
Bunions
Bunions are a deformity that can develop on or near the big toe. Usually caused by genetics, they can worsen due to biomechanics or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Symptoms of bunions:
- A bulging bump on the side of the big toe
- Swelling, redness, or soreness around the joint
- Corns or calluses on the toe
- Pain while wearing shoes
Treatment options for bunions:
- Wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes
- Having one of our podiatrists create custom orthotics
- Using pads or other devices to help relieve pressure on the bunion
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
If these non-invasive remedies fail to relieve your pain, Sunshein Podiatry offers different medical interventions, including a surgical procedure called lapiplasty.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of big toe pain. There are two main types:
- Osteoarthritis. This degenerative disease often affects people as they age. It occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. This inflammatory condition can occur at any age. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and impaired mobility.
Symptoms of arthritis:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving the big toe
- A grating or creaking sensation when moving the joint
Treatment options for arthritis:
While there's no cure for arthritis, the following treatments may help alleviate symptoms:
- Resting the affected foot
- Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgery, in severe cases
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms crystals in the joints.
Symptoms of gout:
- Sudden, severe pain in your toe
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness and warmth around the joint
- Difficulty moving your toe
Treatment options for gout:
There's no cure for gout, but a few non-invasive home care options can help relieve the pain and prevent future attacks:
- Medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Changes in diet to avoid foods that trigger gout
- Weight loss
Turf Toe
This is an injury to the ligaments around the big toe. It usually happens when the toe is bent backward beyond its normal range of motion.
Symptoms of turf toe:
- Pain and swelling around the big toe
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving the joint
Treatment options for turf toe:
- Rest and ice
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Stretching and physical therapy exercises
- Taping or bracing the toe
- In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the ligaments.
Sesamoiditis
This condition is inflammation of the sesamoid bones in your foot. These bones are located under the big toe joint and help the tendons move smoothly. Sesamoiditis often occurs when excessive pressure is placed on the sesamoids, such as during running or jumping.
Symptoms of sesamoiditis:
- Pain and swelling around the big toe
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving the joint
Treatment options for sesamoiditis:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Stretching and physical therapy exercises
- Taping or bracing the toe
Big Toe Fracture
Bone breaks usually occur as a result of an injury, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on your foot.
Symptoms of a big toe fracture:
- Swelling around the big toe
- Constant pain
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Difficulty or inability to move the joint
Treatment options for a big toe fracture:
- Rest
- Ice
- Elevation
- Compression
- Taping or bracing the toe
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the bone
Ingrown Toe Nail
An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. Causes include improper trimming, an injury, or ill-fitting shoes.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail:
- Pain and swelling around the affected toe
- Redness and inflammation
- Tenderness
Treatment options for an ingrown toenail:
- Soaking the foot in warm water
- Elevating the foot
- Wearing loose-fitting shoes
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications
- Trimming the nail properly
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the ingrown portion of the nail