Items filtered by date: May 2025

Toe deformities are structural issues that may develop from birth or result from other factors. Common causes of toe deformities include wearing improper footwear, trauma, or joint and nerve conditions. Among the deformities are hammertoe, which involves a bend at the middle joint, and mallet toe, which affects the joint near the nail. Claw toe, where the toe curls under the foot, and overlapping toe, where one toe rests on another are other toe deformities. Curly toe is a congenital toe deformity in which one or more toes, usually the third or fourth, curl under due to tight tendons pulling them downward. Causes may include heredity, poorly fitting shoes, foot injuries, nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, or joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. These toe deformities can cause pain, limit mobility, and lead to complications like corns, open sores, and joint stiffness. When a toe deformity becomes rigid or painful, a podiatrist can offer medical treatment. Options include custom orthotics to reduce pressure and improve alignment or splints to support toe positioning. In severe cases, surgery may be required to straighten the toe and relieve discomfort. If you have a problematic toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.