Toe pain can make every single step excruciating. Toe pain can have many different sources, including injuries, arthritis, and hammertoe. Some of these things can be treated with home care, and some need additional medical intervention. Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, and crystals form, which settle in certain joints. It causes severe pain at the base of the big toe, redness, and swelling. Hammertoe is a deformity where toes bend abnormally in the middle joint. The downward flex of the joint looks like a hammer, thus its name. It is most common in the second, third, and fourth toes. A hammertoe can make it difficult to walk and stretching and moving the toes can be impossible. If you have toe pain, see a podiatrist for medical treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Tuscaloosa, and Fayette, AL and Fayette, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.

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