What causes toe pain?

A bunion can push the big toe toward its neighbours and make the joint sore in shoes. Gout may cause a sudden, very painful, hot, swollen joint, often at the big toe. Hallux rigidus causes stiffness and pain when the big toe bends. A hammer toe can rub against footwear and develop a painful pressure point. A forced upward bend during sport can injure the plantar plate or cause turf toe. A stubbed toe may bruise or fracture bone. Ingrown nails, skin breaks, infection, and nerve irritation are other possibilities, especially when redness, discharge, burning, or numbness is present.

Choose footwear with a wide, comfortable toe box and avoid activities that sharply increase pain. Protect a recently injured toe and use gentle movement only if it is comfortable. Do not cut into an ingrown nail or apply strong treatments to broken skin without advice. Arrange an assessment when pain persists, recurs, affects walking, or is accompanied by swelling or a change in shape. A clinician can examine the joint, skin, nail, circulation, and sensation. Related information includes [Toe Pain](/symptoms/toe-pain/) and [Bunion Surgery](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/bunion-surgery/).

Get urgent care for a toe that is deformed after injury, turns pale or blue, becomes cold or numb, or has severe pain with inability to walk. Prompt review is also needed for spreading redness, pus, fever, or a wound that is slow to heal, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced circulation.

Is the pain coming from the joint, nail, skin, bone, or a soft-tissue injury? Do I need an X-ray or another test? Which shoes and activities are suitable? What symptoms would need same-day care?