Likely Causes of Big Toe Pain

For some, big toe pain can be much more than a nuisance—it can be outright debilitating. The big toe is a crucial part of the body’s system of balance. When the big toe becomes injured, it can throw off one’s entire sense of stability and can even lead to the development of issues with the legs and back. We are going to talk about three common causes of big toe pain as well as the corresponding forms of treatment for each.

Turf toe, or a sprain of the big toe, is a condition that can affect anyone, although it most often shows up in athletes, particularly those who play on grassy fields such as football or soccer players. People with this condition often feel a concentrated amount of pain at the base of the big toe around the ball of the foot. It is also not unheard of for swelling or stiffness to appear around that area. The cause of turf toe is most often due to driving the toe head-on into an object, or “jamming” it. It can also develop over time from repeated jumping or from pushing off the ground with the balls of the feet, such as when running. Wearing shoes that don’t offer enough support can also lead to the development of turf toe. In most cases, treatment usually consists of resting the toe until it has healed. Elevating the leg and applying ice on a regular basis can help lessen the swelling and inflammation. If inflammation is particularly bad, one may be prescribed a course of antibiotics to complete.

Gout is another condition known to cause severe big toe pain. This is a condition often associated with King Henry VIII, as he often suffered from this condition, especially towards the end of his life. Although gout can occur in the ankle, knee, and other joints, most cases of gout occur in the big toe. This condition is caused by a buildup of uric acid into the joint of the toe. This leads to inflammation which then causes redness, swelling, and extreme discomfort to the touch. Gout is thought to be caused by eating too much red meat, and while this can be true, there are other foods which can lead to the buildup of uric acid. Mushrooms, legumes, game, and beer are just a few other foods that can cause gout. As diet is the main cause behind gout, the treatment for this condition starts with reevaluating the diet. A well-rounded diet including fruits, vegetables, and fish can help clear up gout and prevent it from recurring in the future. If one is in agony and can’t wait for the effects of a healthy diet to settle in, then pain medication can offer relief until dietary changes relief the symptoms of gout.

The last cause of big toe pain that we are going to talk about is called a fracture. A fracture, or break in the bone, can occur through any means of overwhelming force applied to the toe. A severe stub or dropping a heavy item onto the toe are just a few examples of how a traumatic fracture can occur. One may be able to hear an audible crack as the bone breaks, but other symptoms such as severe pain that may recede after a few hours, swelling or bruising that usually occurs the next day, and a crooked or abnormal appearance can also indicate a fracture. Repetitive stress to the toe can cause what is referred to as a “hairline fracture”. This type of fracture does not leave the bone split into separate pieces, but rather it creates a crack that runs through the bone. A stress fracture can be indicated by pain during movement of the toe as well as an abnormal appearance. In most cases, resting and elevating the foot, as well as regular applications of ice will speed up the recovery process. If a fracture occurs very close to a joint, surgery may be required in order for the toe to properly heal.

When we suffer from big toe pain and aren’t sure of the cause, it’s always best to see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be evaluated and treated. Leaving an injury to heal on its own, without the recommendation to do so by a doctor, can result in long-term impairment, permanent deformation, or chronic bouts of pain.