Toe Pain

What is toe pain?

Toe pain is any uncomfortable sensation in the toes. Your toes contain bones (the phalanges), joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, all of which are subject to injury, infection, or other conditions that cause pain.

Learn More About Toe Pain

Toe pain may last briefly or be constant. You may feel a throbbing, piercing or tingling sensation. Pain-like sensations that are often described as pins and needles, prickling, or burning are called paresthesia. Toe pain may be simply irritating and uncomfortable or so debilitating that you cannot put a shoe on or put any kind of pressure on your foot or toe. Toe pain can arise from a variety of conditions ranging from a bunion to nerve conditions.

In some cases, toe pain can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as an infection or peripheral artery disease. If you are experiencing persistent toe pain or pain with swelling, redness, and warmth of the toe, seek prompt medical care.

SYMPTOMS

What other symptoms might occur with toe pain?

Other symptoms may occur with toe pain depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. For example, an infection or inflammation of the toe might be accompanied by redness or warmth of the area.... Read more about toe pain symptoms

CAUSES

What causes toe pain?

Many cases of toe pain are due to injury or age-related wear and tear on the skin, muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments of the toe. Common causes of toe pain include calluses, arthritis and bunions. However, infectious diseases, neurological conditions, and other abnormal processes can also affect the toe. In particular, sores on your toes that do not heal properly may be a sign of poor blood circulation due to peripheral artery disease, which is a life-threatening condition.... Read more about toe pain causes