Pain in the toes is a very common condition here in the UK. This pain is typically felt in the big toe more than any of the other toes because 90% of our weight goes through our big toe. There are many conditions that can affect our toes and pain in the toes can be a result of a problem with the soft tissue, bones, skin or nail. Below, we are going to explore some of the more common conditions that affect the toes and cause pain in them. Some of the conditions mentioned here can be treated at home by yourself. However, some are more serious and may need the attention of your GP or a local foot doctor.
5 common causes of toe pain
1. Tennis Toe
Tennis toe is caused by repetitive damage and is usually found in the big toe. It causes blood to pool under the nail of the toes and will cause pain while you are doing activities when your toe is hitting the front edge of your shoe. You may feel a throbbing sensation in your toe and notice a red/black colour under your nail. Tennis toe is easily preventable, speak with a local foot doctor to find out more information about this condition if you think that it is the cause of your foot pain.
2. Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are most commonly found on the big toe and are a result of the curved edges of the toenail cutting through the skin. The symptoms are swelling, redness and pain. If you leave this untreated, you are likely to get an infection.
3. Turf Toe
Another condition that can affect the big toe. This condition tends to affect people playing sport on artificial surfaces. It is caused by the big toe bending too far backwards; this damages the ligaments. It can be caused by a single event or by repeated trauma of the toe. This results in the stiffness, inflammation and pain in the toe.
4. Gout
Gout is a very common cause of big toe pain. Although it is looked at as a medieval condition, gout is still as present today as it ever has been. It is caused by a high level of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is produced by the body as it breaks down purines, a substance that is found in some foods and drinks. This uric acid forms crystals which can collect in the joint and cause pain and inflammation.
5. Toe Arthritis
Toe arthritis is a very common cause of toe pain in the UK. The most common place to get arthritis in your foot is at the base of your big toe because of the amount of work it does. You are likely to feel pain, stiffness and inflammation in your toe as well as have restricted movement in the toe.
These are some of the more common causes of pain in the toes. There are many more conditions that can cause pain in the toes and you can find out more information about many of these on our blog. If none of the causes above seem to match your symptoms and your pain, please explore or blog further to find out more about the other common conditions or give us a call and make an appointment.