Big toe pain can be incredibly painful and disruptive, affecting your ability to walk or wear shoes comfortably. The pain can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, toenail problems, or gout. An injury to the big toe, such as a sprain or fracture, can cause throbbing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the toe. Toenail issues, like ingrown toenails or fungal infections, can lead to sharp pain, redness, and tenderness around the nail. Gout, a type of arthritis, often targets the big toe, causing sudden, intense pain, swelling, and a feeling of heat, typically at night. Symptoms of big toe pain include sharp or throbbing pain, swelling, redness, or a decreased range of motion. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the underlying cause of the toe pain through a physical exam and imaging tests. Treatment may include medication, proper footwear, toenail care, or even surgery for more severe cases. If you are dealing with big toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors 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 offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that is more common in men than in women, and several factors contribute to this difference. Men tend to have higher levels of uric acid in their blood, which can form crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The joints in the big toe are often affected, possibly causing debilitating pain.  Additionally, men are more likely to engage in behaviors that increase the risk of gout, such as consuming large amounts of red meat, alcohol, and sugary beverages. These factors can trigger elevated uric acid levels, especially in the presence of other risk factors like obesity or a family history of the condition. Hormonal differences also play a role, as women’s higher levels of estrogen help to excrete uric acid more efficiently, reducing their risk. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer effective relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics play an important role in managing diabetic foot by providing support, pressure relief, and protection. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and injuries. Orthotic devices help distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure points that may cause skin breakdown. Proper cushioning and arch support minimize friction and impact, preventing blisters and calluses. Additionally, custom orthotics can also help correct foot alignment, reducing strain on joints and improving mobility. By enhancing stability and comfort, orthotics allow individuals with diabetes to walk more safely and reduce the risk of complications. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide custom-made orthotics as part of your treatment.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Manhattan Footcare. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.