The second toe might cause pain or discomfort if it is injured, or if one suffers from a chronic condition. One such condition is called capsulitis. This can cause irritation and inflammation at the base of the second toe. One might feel swelling in the toes, have trouble putting on or wearing shoes, and have pain at the ball of the foot that worsens when walking barefoot. It may feel like one is walking on a marble or that the sock is bunched up under the foot. Commonly, capsulitis results from improper foot mechanics, with the ball of the foot withstanding excess pressure. Metatarsalgia is another condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot that may be concentrated under the second toe. This often begins as a callus on the bottom of the foot, and it can put pressure on nerves and other structures around the toe. Another cause of second toe pain is an ingrown toenail. This is when the toenail is embedded into the skin of the toe. It can make the toe sensitive to the touch and sore. Since second toe pain can arise from different causes, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you identify the cause of your pain and offer treatment solutions.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. 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 office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
