Guide to Treating an Inflamed Toe

An inflamed toe is a little thing but it can cause much pain and hinder your daily activities. The toe most often inflamed is the big toe. The big toe is easy to stub against objects and dropping something on it is routine for some people. Sometimes it even gets stepped on by other people.

All kinds of injuries can cause an inflamed toe. These include tearing off the nail, blood under the nail, cuts, bruises, and a broken bone, among others. One of the major causes of a swollen and painful toe is an ingrown toenail. These can even sometimes require a surgical procedure which removes the side of the nail.

An inflamed toe can be caused by gout. Gout inflames the joint at the base of the toe and it becomes incredibly painful to do anything with the toe, including walking. Gout is caused by uric acid which can build up in the bloodstream.

Uric acid is made when the body breaks down certain foods. These include alcohol (beer and wine), liver, mackerel, anchovies, and such vegetables as peas and beans. Normally, uric acid makes its way out of the body in your urine.

Sometimes inflammation occurs in the toe joint and may not be visible when you are looking at your toe. This type of inflamed toe can occur from osteoporosis or arthritis or a combination of the two. The problem can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Another condition that causes a painful and inflamed toe is a bunion. When you have a bunion, there is actually fluid inside the toe which is contained in a little pouch. Bunions normally form when shoes are too tight and women are much more apt to suffer from bunions than men. The key to improving the situation is to wear wider shoes and stay away from shoes which have high heels. If bunions are especially painful and will not go away, you can get them surgically removed.

Because of the location of the big toe, it is often injured by being stubbed against stationary objects. This might be a step, a wall, a door or any solid structure you are walking past. These types of injuries often involve swelling and bruising.

Toenails also become infected with various fungi because inside the shoe is a good place for a fungus to grow. It can remain warm and moisture in your sock and shoe for long periods of time. If you have a fungus, you will get a yellowish or whitish spot under your toenail. Not only is there discoloration but the nail often gets thick and brittle around the edges as well.

If you are apt to get toenail fungal infections, they may occur over and over again. While over-the-counter medications are available, see your doctor if you frequently have this problem. Prescription medications can be stronger and can resolve the condition for a longer period of time.

While most people with toe problems usually visit their normal doctor, podiatrists are especially trained to handle all types of nail and foot problems. They are very experienced with ingrown toenails. Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist if your toe problem is advanced.

The best way to prevent an inflamed toe is to pay attention to foot care. Wear shoes that have enough room for your foot to be comfortable. Always be careful to practice good hygiene with your toes. Always keep your nails cut and make sure you use proper techniques so as not to angle them toward the skin.

See your doctor if your toenail has penetrated the skin or if your toe does not heal in a reasonable amount of time.