Big Toe Pain

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 the pain can also keep you up at night. While there are a variety of things that could be causing your pain, Sunshein Podiatry also offers a  variety of treatments to help you find relief.

What Could Be Causing Your Big Toe Pain?

There are a number of different conditions that can cause big toe pain. Some of the most common include:

Bunions

Bunions are a deformity that can develop on or near the big toe. They can cause pain and difficulty walking and may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes with high heels.

Symptoms of Bunions

  • A bulging bump on the side of the big toe
  • Swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe
  • Corns or calluses on the big toe
  • Pain when wearing shoes

Treatment Options for Bunions

  • Wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes
  • Use custom orthotics
  • Using pads or other devices to help relieve pressure on the bunion
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

If these home remedies fail to relieve your pain, there are medical interventions that can be done, such as removing the bunion surgically, in a procedure called lapiplasty.

Bunions causing big toe pain

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common cause of big toe pain. The two main types of arthritis we see that can affect the big toe are:

Osteoarthritis: a degenerative form of arthritis that often affects people as they age. It occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis: an inflammatory form of arthritis that can occur at any age. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the cartilage in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Big Toe

  • Pain and stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty moving the big toe
  • A grating or creaking sensation when moving the big toe

Treatment Options for Arthritis Include

There is no cure for arthritis, but 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 can cause severe pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. It often affects the big toe. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the body and forms crystals in the joints.

Symptoms of Gout

  • Sudden, severe pain in the joint
  • Swelling and redness
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth around the joint
  • Difficulty moving the joint

Treatment Options for Gout

There is no cure for gout, but treatments can help relieve the pain and prevent future attacks. These treatments include:

  • Medications to reduce pain and swelling
  • Changes in diet to avoid foods that trigger gout
  • Weight loss
Soccer big toe injury

Turf Toe

Turf toe is an injury to the ligaments around the big toe. It often 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

Turf toe is usually treated with a combination of the following:

  • 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

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the foot. These bones are located under the big toe joint and help the tendons move smoothly. Sesamoiditis often happens when there is too much pressure on the sesamoids, such as when running or jumping.

Symptoms of Sesamoiditis

  • Pain and swelling around the big toe joint
  • 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

A big toe fracture is a break in one of the bones in the big toe. Fractures can happen from an injury, such as stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on your foot.

Symptoms of a Big Toe Fracture

  • Pain and swelling around the big toe
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty or inability to move the big toe

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 fracture

    Ingrown Toe Nail

    An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. This can happen if the nails are not trimmed properly.

    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

    Need Help with Big Toe Pain? Contact Us Today!

    If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of big toe pain listed above, contact us today. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that is best for you.

    Location

    6474 Centerville Business Pkwy, Centerville, OH 45459

    Hours

    Monday: 8am - 5pm
    Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
    Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
    Thursday: 8am - 5pm
    Friday: 8am - 2pm

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