Toe pain can stem from various conditions with distinct characteristics. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can cause pain and stiffness in the toe joints as cartilage wears away over time. Gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals, often affects the big toe leading to sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling. Turf toe, an injury common in athletes, results from hyperextension of the big toe and can cause pain and swelling at the base of the toe. Additionally, fractures, or broken toes, may occur from trauma or excessive stress, resulting in sharp pain, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. If you have developed toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and provide the appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Arnold Tarpley, Jr. of Tarpley Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Tarpley 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 one of our offices located in Uniontown, and Connellsville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.