Toe problems are so much more than just ingrown toenails. There are bone deformities, nerve inflammation, arthritis, and even injuries that we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists see all the time. In this article, we’ll unpack 7 of the most common toe issues that you should be aware of.
What people all think of when it comes to toe problems. Ever felt your big toe’s toenail turning on you, literally? Once it digs in, it leads to redness, swelling, tenderness, and can easily become infected. The usual culprits are improper nail trimming (like cutting too short or rounding the corners) or wearing shoes that squeeze the toes.
These are a trio of deformities where a toe bends unnaturally. A hammertoe sees the toe bend at its middle joint. A mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail. And a claw toe involves bending at all three toe joints, which makes the toes curl under.
These issues develop from muscle imbalances or wearing tight footwear that forces the toes into awkward positions (think high heels). The bent shape then causes the toe to rub against shoes, which leads to painful corns or calluses (good warning signs).
A bunion is that bony bump that causes all your toes to bend inward. You’ll get pain, redness, and swelling because of the shoe friction and tightness that causes it.
Its lesser-known cousin, the bunionette, appears like a similar bump, but on the outside of your foot at the base of your pinky toe.
If you've ever felt a sharp, burning pain, numbness, or tingling between your toes, it might be Morton's neuroma. This condition is essentially the thickening of nerve tissue in the ball of your foot due to compression (another high heel problem), which feels like a pebble is stuck in your shoe.
Gout strikes suddenly, and it strikes big- the big toe, that is. It's a form of inflammatory arthritis where uric acid crystals build up in the joint. The affected toe can become intensely painful, swollen, red, and hot to the touch, and it often comes without warning.
Athletes often battle turf toe, but it could happen to anyone. This sprain of the big toe joint is often caused by the toe being forcibly bent too far upward during activities like pushing off on a hard surface.
Even without a major accident, a toe can develop a stress fracture. These are tiny, hairline cracks in the bone from repetitive impact or a sudden increase in activity. The pain might start subtly, worsen with weight-bearing, and ease with rest.
For any podiatric concerns you’re dealing with, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.
