4 Common Causes Of Toe Pain

Most of us probably never give much thought to our toes unless they have become painful. Once they start bothering you, however, it can be hard to think about anything else. After all, every step you take is another painful reminder that your toe(s) need some attention. The first step on the road to recovery is determining the cause of the problem. Here is a look at four common conditions that lead to troublesome toes.

Bunions 

If you notice that the top of your big toe is slanted inward toward the other toes and that a bump is forming at the base of the toe, then you almost certainly have developed a bunion. Although bunions sometimes affect the other toes, it's most commonly seen in the big toe. Various conditions cause bunions, including wearing shoes that do not fit properly and arthritis.

Bunions might or might not need medical attention, depending on the severity. If you have significant pain from a bunion or it's limiting your movement, it's time to see a foot doctor.

Hammertoe

Another frequently seen cause of the pain is hammertoe. This condition is the result of the joint in the middle of a toe pointing upward, which causes the toe to look like a hammer. The main cause of hammertoes is muscle weakness putting pressure on the tendons and joints of the affected toe. The weakness might result from diabetes, wearing shoes with little arch support, or be inherited.

Hammertoes can get worse over time without medical intervention. If you notice any signs of a hammertoe developing, consult a podiatrist.

Turf Toe

Turf toe is a painful condition that tends to strike athletes and those involved in intensive physical activities. It typically results from a toe being overextended, such as when a runner in a race pushes off the starting line. Turf toe injuries vary in severity and could be treated with first aid at home in some cases. Other cases will need to be treated by your health care provider.

Ingrown Toenail

When the edge of your nail starts to grow into your skin, you have an ingrown toenail. If you have significant pain or the pain is spreading, see a foot doctor as soon as possible. Also, if you have diabetes, which can cause an ingrown toenail, consult your podiatrist. The doctor will determine the best treatment to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Contact a local podiatrist service to learn more,

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