Pain in the toe, especially in the big toe, can be bothersome, making simple activities uncomfortable. While it may seem harmless, and rest or relaxation might offer temporary relief, understanding the root cause of the discomfort is essential for proper treatment. Various factors, from minor injuries to underlying health conditions, can contribute to toe pain, and identifying the source will help determine the best way to address it and prevent it from affecting your daily routine further.
What Causes Joint Pain In Big Toe?![]()
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sharath Babu, Consultant - Orthopaedic Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Hi-tech City, Hyderabad, says, "Joint pain in the big toe is commonly linked to several conditions, including gout, arthritis, and hallux rigidus (a form of degenerative arthritis)."
"These issues can lead to pain, stiffness, and discomfort, especially during activities that put pressure on the toe, such as walking or running. In many cases, inflammation in the joint causes pain and can limit movement," he adds, explaining that gout is often responsible for sudden, sharp pain, while osteoarthritis results in gradual wear and tear on the joint.
Also Read: 7 Uncommon Reasons That Can Cause Gout
Gout is a significant cause of joint pain in people with high levels of uric acid. The excess uric acid forms crystals that settle in the joint, causing intense pain, swelling, and redness. Attacks of gout often come on suddenly and can be triggered by certain foods or dehydration.
Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, also affects the big toe joint by wearing down the cartilage over time, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis can similarly target the big toe, causing inflammation in the joint due to the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues.
Other possible causes include bunions and tendon injuries, which can add to the discomfort in this area.
Role Of Footwear In Managing Toe Pain![]()
According to a study published in the journal Sensors, participants who wore either cushioned shoes or similar shoes without cushioning for three months found that cushioned shoes reduced knee pain and improved overall function compared to the non-cushioned shoes. It highlighted the importance of wearing good-quality footwear for joint health.
Similarly, footwear plays a key role in managing big toe joint pain.
Dr Sharath explains that tight shoes or those lacking support can worsen pressure, while shoes with a wide toe box and cushioning help relieve it.
"High heels shift weight onto the toe, straining the joint. Stretching the big toe upwards and doing exercises like towel stretches or toe curls strengthen muscles and reduce stiffness. These practices, combined with supportive footwear, are effective in preventing or alleviating toe joint pain, especially for those with arthritis or recovering from injuries."
When To Visit A Doctor?
While pain in the big toes is generally harmless, it should be considered serious enough for medical evaluation if it is persistent, severe, or worsening over time, warns Dr Sharath.
According to him, if the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, or sudden onset of intense discomfort, it may indicate conditions such as gout, arthritis, or infection. Additionally, if the pain interferes with daily activities like walking or wearing shoes, or if it does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, a healthcare provider should be consulted.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you address signs like difficulty moving the toe, a noticeable deformity, or injury-related pain.
Also Read: Health Conditions That Cause Joint Pain Other Than Arthritis
How To Alleviate Joint Pain In Big Toe![]()
Dr Sharath recommends specific stretches and exercises that can help relieve or prevent big toe joint pain. These include:
- Toe stretches, such as gently pulling the big toe back to stretch the joint, improve flexibility.
- Towel scrunches, where you use your toes to grab and scrunch a towel, strengthen the muscles around the joint.
- Toe extensions involve lifting the big toe while keeping the rest of the foot flat.
- Rolling the foot over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle can massage and relieve tension in the arch and toe joint.
- Calf stretches also help by reducing tension in the lower leg, which can affect toe alignment.
Remember, regular practice of these exercises can improve mobility and reduce pain.
Conclusion
Joint pain in the big toe can impact day-to-day activities, but understanding the cause can help determine the treatment process, which can fasten recovery and alleviate pain. Some of the most common causes include injury, wrong footwear, strain, and underlying medical conditions like gout and arthritis. While most symptoms can be relieved with home remedies, some causes may require medical attention. It is best to consult a doctor to decide on the course forward.