Big toe pain may be an indication of underlying medical conditions. It may come from various forms of arthritis, including gout, which can cause debilitating pain. Other foot conditions can cause pain in the toes. These can include sesamoiditis, ingrown toenails, turf toe, or a broken toe. The former is an ailment that affects the tendons surrounding the sesamoid bone. It is common among ballet dancers and can occur due to their style of dance. An ingrown toenail happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it and can cause severe toe pain if it becomes infected. Turf toe often affects athletes and can happen from jamming the big toe during sporting activities. A broken toe can happen if a heavy object drops on it. There are various methods to treat toe pain, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat your type of pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A hairline fracture is a very small break in a bone that can cause significant discomfort, even though it may not be obvious at first. Many people notice a gradual increase in pain during walking or standing, especially after repetitive activity. Swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising may appear, and the discomfort often improves with rest but quickly returns with movement. These tiny cracks commonly develop from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity levels. Without early attention, the injury can worsen and interfere with mobility. Recognizing the signs promptly helps protect long-term foot health and supports a smoother recovery. If you notice persistent soreness, swelling, or pain that intensifies with activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing them to resemble a hammer. It can develop from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, muscle imbalance, arthritis, or injury. Symptoms include pain when wearing shoes, swelling, or corns or calluses on the affected toe. The toe may feel stiff or rigid, making it difficult to straighten or move comfortably. Hammertoe can start as a mild problem but may become more painful and limit movement over time. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical examination and imaging if necessary. Treatment options include wearing roomier shoes, using custom orthotics, targeted exercises, and toe splints. In more severe cases, minor surgery may be recommended to realign the toe. If you have a troublesome hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes thickens. Morton’s neuroma most often affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. This thickening compresses the nerve, causing sharp, burning pain or tingling that spreads from the ball of the foot into the toes. Many people describe it as feeling like a pebble trapped beneath the foot. The condition often results from excessive pressure or friction caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or frequent use of footwear that lacks adequate support. Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can also increase strain on the forefoot and irritate the nerve. A podiatrist can assess the nerve, confirm the diagnosis through imaging, if needed, and recommend suitable treatment or surgery when appropriate. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our doctors of Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Conroe and Huntsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.