5 Common Causes of Toe Pain You Don’t Want to Ignore
Whether it’s a sharp ache in your toe or a burning sensation in the ball of your foot, toe pain is one of the most common symptoms we at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group see. But is it one part of a much larger, more complex foot condition? Or is toe pain itself the main problem? Continue reading to find out.
Metatarsalgia
Let’s start around where your toes start: the ball of your foot. Pain in this area is generally referred to as metatarsalgia, derived from “metatarsals,” which is where your toes meet your foot bones. Our patients describe the pain as if they’re walking on a bruise or a pebble, and it tends to get worse with activity. The common causes are:
- Overuse: This is the most frequent reason. The repetitive running, jumping, or even just standing for long periods can overload the metatarsal bones.
- Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack cushioning, have thin soles, or are too tight and put pressure on the forefoot are a major factor. High heels are notorious for shifting your body weight forward.
- Foot Structure: Even your unique foot shape. People with a high arch may put more pressure on the ball of their foot, and a longer second toe can cause that metatarsal to carry a lot of pressure.
Morton’s Neuroma
If your pain in the ball of the foot feels more like a sharp, burning sensation or a shooting pain between your toes, with accompanying numbness or tingling, it might be a Morton’s neuroma. This is when the toe nerves thicken due to constant compression and irritation.
This usually happens around the 3rd and 4th toes, though not always, and just like metatarsalgia, you may feel like something is stuck in your shoe.
Other Common Reasons Why Your Toes Hurt
Sometimes the pain is more focused on the toe itself, not just the ball of the foot:
- Ingrown Toenails: This classic problem happens when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Not cutting your nails the right way and wearing tight shoes? You might end up with one.
- Bunions: A big bump at the base of your big toe that causes it to turn inward. Some people have it worse than others, but everyone should get it checked out by a podiatrist.
- Turf Toe: Athletes, this is for you. This sprain of the big toe joint typically happens when you bend your big toe too far upward while pushing off the field.
If you’re worried about your foot pain, come see the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
