Stopping the activity that is aggravating the toe is usually the best course of action. Doing this helps prevent the injury from getting worse. Typically, treatment involves rest, icing, compression, and elevation RICE. A doctor may suggest wearing less flexible shoes when playing sports. As a last resort for severe injuries, they might recommend surgery. According to the AAOS , sesamoids are bones that connect to tendons or are embedded in muscles.
The kneecap, for example, is the largest sesamoid. Sesamoiditis occurs when the tendons around the sesamoid below the big toe become inflamed or irritated. This condition is common in runners and ballet dancers. In addition to pain, symptoms of sesamoiditis may include :. There are several potential treatment options for sesamoiditis. Some treatment options that a doctor may recommend include :. Fractures or breaks of the toes are common occurrences. The AAOS note that fractures may occur when a person:.
Pain and swelling of the toe are two common symptoms, but a person may also notice discoloration around the toe. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the toe fracture. In the case of blunt, sudden trauma, the steps that a person could take include:. A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The joint protrudes outward and creates a visible bump on the side of the foot.
This abnormality causes the toe to point in the opposite direction and potentially overlap onto the toe next to it. Many shoes put pressure on the protruding joint, and, over time, the pressure may cause the fluid filled sac in the joint bursa to swell and become inflamed.
A bunion may cause swelling, inflammation, and pain. The big toe also visibly points inward while the joint at its base points outward. To alleviate symptoms, a person should wear shoes that do not put extra pressure on the joint. A wide and flexible sole is ideal. In cases of sudden injury or unexplained pain, a person should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Not to worry, though — first the doctor will use medicine to numb the toe and you will feel much better when it's done.
If the nail keeps growing back into the skin, sometimes the doctor will do a small surgery to remove a larger section of the nail or, rarely, the whole nail. Taking care of the toe after an ingrown toenail is removed is almost as important as the surgery itself.
Doing as your doctor says after surgery will help you prevent infection and make the ingrown nail less likely to happen again. To avoid ingrown toenails, cut toenails straight across and long enough so the corners are not tucked down into the skin.
Being careful when trimming your toenails can help avoid problems with ingrown nails later. Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is an Ingrown Toenail? How Do Ingrown Toenails Happen? Other common causes of ingrown toenails include: Shoes that don't fit well. Shoes that are too tight can push the skin on the sides of the nail up over the nail, forcing the nail to grow in.
Shoes that are too short also can cause nails to grow into the soft skin. Buddy tape the affected toe, use shoe cushions, or wear a compression bandage. Crutches or a walking cast may be needed. Surgery may be needed in severe cases. Arthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions bones and joints.
It commonly affects the big toe , which is known as hallux rigidus. Arthritis of the toe can be due to poor foot alignment as well as general wear-and-tear of the cartilage. Reduce pain and inflammation by wearing shoes with a stiff sole or those that bend at the big toe joint. Physical therapy or stretching may be beneficial. Surgery is needed in extreme cases. Sesamoiditis is an inflammatory foot condition that affects the two tiny bones under the big toe joint.
These are known as sesamoids, which are bones embedded in tendons. The tendons and surrounding tissues are also affected, making it difficult to straighten or bend your toe.
It can be treated by taping the affected toe so that it bends downward. Orthotic devices or shoe cushions may also help. Crutches or a walking cast can relieve pressure if complete immobilization is necessary. Sometimes surgery is needed, especially if there are fractures to the sesamoids. Gout is a metabolic condition that commonly affects the big toe joint.
The medical term for this is podagra. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and builds up in joints. This can be due to diet and lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions. Medications such as diuretics and cyclosporine can increase your risk of gout. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, and tenderness around your big toe joint. The area may be inflamed, hot, and appear red.
Sometimes symptoms are sudden and severe, especially at night. Your doctor may prescribe additional specific medications for treatment of the uric acid deposit and production or steroids. To reduce uric acid buildup , follow a healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. Reduce your intake of red meat and seafood. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or sugar, and increase your water intake.
A sprained or broken toe are common causes of toe injuries. Injury to a ligament results in a sprain, whereas a broken toe affects the actual bone. If you sprain your toe, you may experience pain around your entire toe. This may be accompanied by bruising, swelling, and tenderness.
You may have difficulty moving your toe. Both injuries are caused by trauma or hyperextension to the toe and take several weeks to heal. Treatment may involve splinting or buddy taping the affected toe. Rest as much as possible and avoid putting pressure on your foot.
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