Toes are susceptible to various problems that can trigger pain such as trauma, infection, arthritis, gout, blood circulation problems, neuromas, and bunions. The most common causes of toe pain are minor trauma, wearing shoes that don't fit properly, and nail growth in the flesh due to improper cutting. Whatever the cause, there are a variety of natural remedies and medical treatments that can help relieve toe pain.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Treating Toe Pain at Home
Step 1. Rest the soles of the feet
The best way to deal with pain in your toes is to rest and relax. This step will be especially helpful if you believe the cause of your toe pain is injury or fatigue. Try to minimize the use of the soles of the feet for a few days and watch the progress. Avoid strenuous exercise and avoid walking and jogging until the pain subsides.
Step 2. Apply ice
Applying ice to a sore toe can speed up its recovery. You can make your own ice packs at home or buy them at the pharmacy.
- If you buy an ice pack at the pharmacy, be sure not to apply it directly to the skin. The ice pack should always be wrapped in a towel or washcloth before applying it to the injured body part.
- You can also put ice cubes in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen vegetables, for example.
Step 3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen can help relieve leg pain. Use over-the-counter drugs according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications or have other health problems. Make sure the over-the-counter medication doesn't interact negatively with other medications you're currently taking.
Step 4. Try soaking in an Epsom salt solution
Although scientific evidence supporting the benefits of soaking in Epsom salt solution is limited, many people find their foot pain reduced using this treatment. You can buy Epsom salt at many pharmacies. Pour lukewarm water into a tub or bucket, then add a little Epsom salt to the water. Soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes and watch the progress.
Step 5. Elevate the toes
Elevating your toes can help reduce pain and swelling in the soles and toes. Try to elevate the soles of the feet slightly above the position of the heart if possible. See if this can help relieve your symptoms.
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Decide when to visit the doctor
Toe pain usually goes away on its own within a few days and doesn't require medical attention. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain or swelling
- Open wound
- There are signs of infection such as redness, warmth, sensitivity to pain, fever above 37.8 degrees Celsius, or discharge of pus from the wound or painful area.
- Unable to walk
- Unable to put the body's weight on the soles of the feet
Step 2. Identify common causes
Pain in the toes can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. Observing whether you are experiencing any other symptoms may help determine the cause. Injuries such as dropping something onto your toe, kicking, or tripping over something can cause acute toe pain. See your doctor if you have injured your toe and have pain, severe swelling, or other severe symptoms.
- Gout, a type of arthritis, can cause pain in the toes. In addition to pain, the area around your toe may also be red, warm to the touch, and sensitive to pain.
- Blisters, thickened skin and calluses are common foot problems that can sometimes cause pain. You can usually see pockets filled with fluid, pimple-like scars, and a rough, hard, yellowish surface on the skin. The blisters will heal naturally on their own, while the callus and thickening of the skin may have to be removed with medical attention.
- Toenails growing in the flesh are a common cause of toe pain. This occurs when the side of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin and causes it to be red, swollen, or sensitive to pain. Toenail discoloration to brown is also possible.
Step 3. Make sure the cause of the pain in the toe is not serious
While many are easily treatable, some conditions that cause toe pain are sometimes serious and difficult to treat. See if you are at risk for serious conditions related to toe pain, and see a doctor to be sure.
- Diabetes can make the feet and toes sensitive to pain. Other diabetes symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, frequent hunger pangs, and cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal. If you're worried about it, your doctor can diagnose it by doing regular blood tests and exams.
- Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. If you have arthritis, you may feel pain all over your body, not just your feet. You are more at risk of developing arthritis if you are older. If you're worried about it, call your doctor.
Step 4. Discuss treatment options with your doctor
If your foot pain doesn't get better with home treatments, ask your doctor if they can offer you treatment options that suit your condition. The doctor will perform an examination to determine the cause of the pain in the sole of the foot and recommend treatment based on the results.
- If your toe is broken, your doctor may use a medical tape to hold the bone in position so it can heal. Usually, the injured toe will be bandaged with the healthy toe next to it as a splint. The doctor may also apply a cast or apply hard-soled shoes to promote recovery of the toe. In very rare cases, surgery will be used to treat pain in the toe.
- In most cases, over-the-counter medications are effective enough to treat pain in the toes. However, if your pain does not improve after using over-the-counter medications, your doctor may recommend using prescription medications according to the condition causing the pain, your medical history, and the medications you are currently taking.
Step 5. Ask for a referral to a foot specialist if necessary
A podiatrist can give you an opinion about your toe, especially if the pain persists and progresses to a chronic problem. The foot specialist will check for trauma and the presence of benign tumors on the soles of your feet and toes. Your general practitioner will refer you to a foot specialist if deemed necessary.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Pain in Toes
Step 1. Change footwear
Shoes that are too narrow or high heels can cause pain in the soles and toes. Make sure to choose shoes that are comfortable for the size of your feet. If your job requires you to walk a lot, choose comfortable flat shoes to replace high heels or party shoes that are too narrow.
Step 2. Consider using shoe pads
If the soles of your feet are prone to pain, consider buying a shoe pad. You can ask your doctor to prescribe special pads or buy them directly at a shoe store. Shoe pads are flat, gel-like pads that are inserted into shoes to help reduce discomfort that can trigger pain.
Step 3. Be careful when trimming toenails
Toenails growing in the flesh can cause pain, so make sure to trim them properly. Always trim your toenails horizontally and avoid tapering the corners as this can cause them to grow piercing inwards.
Tips
- Until the toe pain subsides, consider wearing open sandals or flip-flops instead of regular shoes.
- The RICE method (rest / rest, ice compresses / compression, and elevation) is a powerful way to relieve pain until you can see a doctor.
