Pain in the second toe can cause a great deal of discomfort, but it is rarely discussed. One of the main causes of second toe pain is capsulitis, which is irritation or inflammation of the ligament capsule at the base of the toe. You may notice pain in the ball of the foot that feels worse when you walk barefoot, swelling in the area, and difficulty putting on or wearing shoes. Causes of capsulitis include improper foot mechanics, bunions, tight calf muscles, a weak arch, or a second toe that is longer than the big toe, which can affect the gait. Sometimes, if a person has capsulitis of the second toe, which causes it to drift toward the big toe, surgery may be required. If the pain associated with the second toe becomes debilitating or interferes with daily activities, it is wise to seek the help of a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and provide treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Ainsley Rusevlyan, DPM of InStride Roberson Footcare. 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 Washington, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.