Causes of big toe pain. For what reasons can a big toe hurt? Disease of the blood vessels in the legs

Pain in the toes can be caused by a number of disorders, among which are the following:

• gout;
• arthritis;
• arthrosis;
• bursitis;
• tendonitis;
• toe injuries;
• osteomyelitis;
• ingrown nail;
• hallux valgus;
• clubfoot;
• hammertoe deformity;
• calluses;
• Morton's neuroma;
• diabetes;
• circulatory failure;
• dermatological diseases.

Acute pain in the toes due to gout

Typically, a gout attack begins with the appearance of pain in the joint of the big toe. When the disease develops pathological process can apply to everything larger number joints - polyarthritis occurs. But most often the joints are affected by gout. lower limbs: knees, ankles, foot joints. And the most pronounced disorders and pain are observed in the joints of the toes.

Gout attacks begin mainly at night. This attack is characterized by a rapid increase in local temperature around the joint and its redness. Its swelling and pain quickly increases. Excruciating burning pain spreads from the toes up the leg. Inflammation can also involve soft tissues, forming clinical picture phlebitis or cellulite. Average duration Gout attacks last for several days and sometimes weeks. After the symptoms subside, the joint gradually acquires its normal shape.

With gout, exacerbations are observed from two to six times a year, and the factors that provoke the onset of an attack are:

• alcohol abuse;
• errors in diet in the form large quantity meat or fatty dishes;
• abuse of coffee, cocoa or strong tea;
• intensive bath procedures.

Pain in the joints of the toes due to arthritis

• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• metabolic disorders;
• autoimmune pathologies.

Arthritic pain in an inflamed joint usually has a very pronounced intensity. It appears not only during movements, but also at rest. Severe swelling and swelling also occurs in arthritic joints. The skin over the inflamed areas acquires a red, purple tint, and the local temperature increases.

Besides pain, symptoms of arthritis also include:
1. Limitation of movements in the joint.
2. Changes in its shape.
3. Unnatural crunching noise under load.

At different types Arthritis pain develops in various fingers. For example, for psoriatic and reactive arthritis, damage is more typical thumbs legs

Pain in the joints of the toes with arthrosis

Signs of osteoarthritis are the following symptoms:

• morning stiffness;
• painful compactions at the edges of the joint space;
• restriction of movements in the joint;
• characteristic crunching sound when moving.

Osteoarthritis of the toes affects mainly women. The occurrence of the disease is provoked by wearing dress shoes with sharp nose for many years. As a result, the thumb is deformed and curved towards the second finger. In addition, its bone begins to bulge, which rubs against the surface of the shoe, and over time also undergoes deformation. As a result, all joints of the big toe become bent and increase in size. This causes pain and limited mobility.

If arthrosis progresses, then the finger can change its original shape so much that it cannot be returned to its original position, even with significant physical effort.

Another complication of arthrosis of the big toe is that after it the second and third toes become deformed. The result is a combined foot deformity. In addition, due to constant friction and trauma to the joint of the 1st finger, bursitis develops in it.

Pain in the big toe due to bursitis

The main manifestation of bursitis is the presence of a mobile, round swelling in the area of ​​the affected joint, which has a soft consistency. This swelling is quite painful to the touch and is easily identified visually.

In addition, the local temperature in the area of ​​inflammation increases, and the skin acquires a purple tint. Over a long period of time, bursitis can develop into chronic form. To inflammation in similar cases sediment joins calcium salts, which causes constant pain.

If the cause of bursitis was an injury to the big toe, then pathological microflora may also join the inflammatory process. Purulent bursitis occurs, and all symptoms become more pronounced:

• severe pain in the entire foot;
• increase in general body temperature;
• weakness;

Pain in big toes due to tendonitis

• pain in toes when walking;
• relative painlessness with passive movements;
• pain when palpating along the inflamed tendons;
• increased temperature and redness of the skin over the area of ​​inflammation;
• determination of crepitus (crunching) when moving.

Toe injuries

In case of a fracture of the phalanx of the toe in the first hours after the injury, the following are determined:

• pain at the fracture site when palpated;
• significant swelling;
• pain with passive finger movements;
• bruises on the lateral and dorsal surfaces.

Functional impairments with fractures of the II, III, IV and V toes may not be particularly noticeable. Therefore, at first the patient may not even suspect the presence of a fracture. Only after some time, when pain increases, does a person consult a doctor.

Osteomyelitis

Acute osteomyelitis begins with a sharp increase in body temperature to 39-40 o C.
The patient's condition is greatly deteriorating, which is due to increasing intoxication of the body. This disease also manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• sharp pain in the foot;
• headache;
• repeated vomiting;
• sometimes loss of consciousness and delirium;
• jaundice is possible.

When the disease becomes chronic, the patient’s well-being may improve somewhat, the severity of pain in the foot decreases, and the pain itself becomes aching. Signs of intoxication in the body disappear, and body temperature returns to normal. Often, fistulas are formed in the affected area with scanty purulent discharge. Several such fistulas can form a network of subcutaneous channels, which subsequently open on great distance from a pathological focus. Subsequently, persistent immobility of the foot joints and curvature of the toe bones occur.

Ingrown nail

Painful sensations can be quite intense. In addition, redness of the skin around the ingrown nail, swelling, and infection are typical.

Pain in the big toe joint due to valgus deformity

Incorrect foot position

Hammertoe deformity

As the tendons in the arch of the foot try to stabilize the foot, the muscles responsible for the mobility of the toes are subject to additional stress. The fingers are pulled back and tucked, which leads to a significant protrusion of their joints. This leads to the development of hammertooth deformation. In addition, painful calluses quickly form on joints that protrude.

Deformed hammertoes rest on the shoe in various places and are subject to friction. Irritation occurs in areas where crooked toes touch the surface of the shoe. Continued irritation and friction may even lead to skin ulcerations in the affected area. As these deformities increase, it becomes more painful and difficult for the patient to move.

Calluses

Pain under the toes due to Morton's neuroma

Due to pinched nerves, traumatic neuritis develops. The inflammation is chronic, resulting in constant pain under the toes.

Pain from this disease is usually localized at the base of the second, third and fourth toes. It tends to increase with prolonged walking and carrying heavy objects. In addition, it often radiates into the fingers themselves, as well as upward into the lower leg.

Diabetes mellitus

Vascular diseases

Two main pathologies characterized by similar symptoms are obliterating endarteritis and atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities.

Endarteritis

Atherosclerosis of the arteries

This disease is characterized by compaction vascular wall, which manifests itself as a feeling of squeezing pain in the muscles of the legs and feet. Pain increases when walking. In addition, a characteristic sign of atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities is the feeling of cold feet, regardless of the time of year.

Pain between the toes in dermatological pathologies

In addition to pain between the toes, similar disorders also appear:

• itching and burning on the skin of the foot;
• redness of the nails and changes in their shape;
• swelling of the fingertips;
• discoloration of the skin.

Treatment

• wearing comfortable, wide shoes with low heels;
• strict adherence to foot hygiene;
• preventing injuries and damage to the toes;
• periodic preventive actions in the form of foot baths or foot massage.

Which doctor should I contact if I have pain in my toes?

So, if a person is bothered by periodic attacks of pain in the toes (mainly at night), during which the joints of the fingers become red, swollen and hot to the touch, and the pain radiates up the leg, and such an attack lasts from several hours to weeks, and after After its completion, compactions (tophi) form over the joints, then gout is suspected. In this case, you must contact rheumatologist (make an appointment).

If a person is bothered by severe pain in any of the toes, which appears not only when moving, but is also present at rest, combined with edema, swelling, warming (the skin is hot to the touch), purple coloration of the skin in the area of ​​​​pain, crunching during physical activity and limitation of movements in joint, then arthritis is suspected. In this case, you need to contact a rheumatologist.

When pain in the toes occurs periodically and always after physical activity, and after rest it can decrease or disappear altogether, combined with stiffness of the foot in the morning, crunching when moving, limited mobility and, possibly, deformation of the sore toe, then arthrosis is suspected. In this case, you must contact orthopedic traumatologist (make an appointment).

If pain in the toes is combined with symptoms of tendinitis (pain in the toes when walking and when feeling the tendons, crunching when moving, redness and heat of the skin over the area of ​​pain) or bursitis (swelling, pain, redness (purple skin) and hot skin in the area of ​​the big toe, combined with soft swelling near the joint, and sometimes with pain in the entire foot, elevated body temperature, weakness and nausea), then you need to contact an orthopedic traumatologist.

If pain in the toes is felt after any traumatic impact on them (for example, a blow to solid object, falling of something heavy on the leg, compression of the foot by doors with automatic closing and opening, etc.), then you should consult an orthopedic traumatologist or, in his absence, a general surgeon (make an appointment).

If pain in the toes occurs against the background of a sharp increase in body temperature to 39 - 40 o C, it is combined with sharp pain in the entire foot (sometimes also in the lower leg), swelling and purple coloration of the skin of the foot and lower leg, with the inability to move the toes, chills, vomiting, headache, possibly yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera of the eyes, loss of consciousness, and after a while the pain subsides, general state improves, but fistulas form, from which pus flows, then osteomyelitis is suspected. In this case, you need to contact either an orthopedic traumatologist or a surgeon.

If the pain in any toe (usually the big toe) is intense and is combined with redness of the skin and swelling in the area of ​​​​the edge of the nail, then an ingrown nail is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to simultaneously contact dermatologist (make an appointment) and a surgeon. A dermatologist will treat the ingrown toenail conservatively (without surgery), but if this is not possible, he will refer you to a surgeon to remove it. If a person does not want to treat an ingrown toenail non-surgical methods, but wants to remove it surgically, then you can immediately contact a surgeon.

If pain in the finger area is associated with a callus, then you should consult a dermatologist.

If pain in the toes is caused by hallux valgus (the big toe is inclined towards the other toes and a “bunion” protrudes from the side of the foot), clubfoot or hammertoes (bent toes with severe protrusion of the joints), then you should contact orthopedic doctor (make an appointment).

When a person has constant pain under the second, third and fourth toes, aggravated by walking and squeezing the foot, radiating to the fingers and lower leg - Morton's neuroma is suspected, and in this case you should contact neurologist (make an appointment), traumatologist or podiatrist (make an appointment).

If a person suffers from pain and loss of sensitivity in the toes, felt when walking, which is combined with a burning sensation in the feet, constant thirst, copious and frequent urination, increased appetite, sweating, then diabetes mellitus is suspected. In this case, you must contact endocrinologist (make an appointment).

When, in addition to pain in the toes, a person is bothered by signs of “intermittent claudication” (pain, numbness and heaviness in the legs that occurs some time after starting to walk, forcing the person to stop to wait out the pain, and only then continue moving again) or atherosclerosis vessels of the legs (squeezing pain in the muscles of the legs and feet, feeling of cold feet in any weather), then you should contact Angiologist (make an appointment), vascular surgeon (make an appointment) or phlebologist (make an appointment). If it is impossible to get to these specialists for any reason, then you should contact a general surgeon.

When a person is bothered by pain in the toes and interdigital spaces in combination with itching and burning, redness of the nails and changes in their shape, swelling of the fingertips, abnormal skin coloring in certain areas of the foot, then a fungal disease is suspected, and in this case it is necessary to consult a doctor - dermatologist.

What tests and examinations can a doctor prescribe for pain in your toes?

When pain occurs occasionally in the toes, combined with redness, swelling and warmth (the toes are hot to the touch), radiating up the leg, lasting for several hours or weeks, and after several painful attacks leading to the formation of seals (tophi) over the joints fingers, then gout is suspected. In this case, the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• General blood test (sign up);
• Biochemical blood test (sign up)(uric acid, total protein, protein fractions, seromucoid, fibrin, sialic acids, haptoglobin, bilirubin (sign up), urea, creatinine, cholesterol, AST, ALT, amylase);
• X-ray of joints (sign up);
• Puncture of inflamed joints with microscopic examination And bacteriological culture(sign up) joint fluid;
• Puncture of tophi with microscopic examination of the contents;
• Kidney ultrasound (sign up).

When severe pain is felt in any of the toes, both at rest and during movement, combined with swelling, swelling, warming (the skin is hot to the touch), purplish coloration of the skin in the area of ​​pain, crunching during physical activity and limitation of movements in the joint - the doctor suspects arthritis, and in this case prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• General blood analysis;
• Blood test for rheumatoid factor (sign up) And C-reactive protein;
• Biochemical blood test (total protein, protein fractions, seromucoid, sialic acids);
• Blood concentration test IgG immunoglobulins, IgA (sign up);
• Blood test for circulating immune complexes (CIC);
• Magnifying X-ray of the foot (make an appointment);
• Ultrasound of the foot (sign up);
• Tomography (computer and magnetic resonance imaging) of the foot;
• Foot thermography;
• Scintigraphy of the foot;
• Joint puncture (make an appointment) brushes with analysis of intra-articular fluid.

But if blood tests are not normal (increased ESR, the amount of seromucoid, sialic acids, CICs, immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor), then we are talking about arthritis, and in this case, depending on the test results, the doctor prescribes the following examinations: necessary to set the correct final diagnosis. So, if an increased concentration of immunoglobulins and CICs is detected against the background of the absence of rheumatic factor, then the doctor makes a diagnosis not rheumatoid arthritis, and to assess the condition of the joint tissues and the nature of inflammation, prescribes x-ray (sign up) and analysis of intra-articular fluid obtained by puncture. If available technical feasibility, then x-rays are replaced by computed tomography, as it provides slightly more information.

If the presence of C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor is detected in the blood, then the doctor diagnoses rheumatoid arthritis, and prescribes x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and puncture of the joint fluid, followed by its analysis, to assess the condition of the joint and the nature of inflammation.

For rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid arthritis as a method additional diagnostics may be assigned Ultrasound (sign up), which allows you to identify effusion in the joint cavity and assess the severity pathological changes in the tissues surrounding the joint. If it is necessary to evaluate the activity of the inflammatory process and response bone tissue on it, then scintigraphy is prescribed. And thermography is considered as only additional method arthritis itself, since it allows us to record the increase in body temperature characteristic of the pathology in the area of ​​​​the diseased joints.

If pain in the toes is felt periodically, and their appearance or intensification is provoked by physical activity, and after rest they decrease or disappear, are combined with a crunching sound when moving, limited mobility and, possibly, deformation of the sore fingers, then the doctor suspects arthrosis of the joints, and this case, prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• General blood analysis;
• Blood test for C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor;
• X-ray of the foot;
• Ultrasound of the foot;
• Computed tomography of the foot;
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the foot (sign up).

When pain in the toes indicates tendonitis (pain is felt when walking and feeling the tendons, a characteristic crunch is heard when moving the toes, the skin in the area of ​​​​pain is red and hot) or bursitis (there is swelling and pain in the area of ​​the big toe, the skin is hot and purple, about joint of the big toe, a soft and painful swelling is visible when palpated, sometimes there is pain in the entire foot, elevated temperature body, weakness and nausea) - the doctor prescribes x-rays and ultrasound. In such cases, X-rays are necessary to exclude bone fractures, and ultrasound is necessary to assess the condition and severity of inflammation in the tendons and joint capsule, as well as to distinguish bursitis from tendonitis. If technically possible, magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed in addition to ultrasound.

When pain in the toes appears after any injury (for example, a blow to a hard object, falling of a heavy object on the leg, compression of the foot by doors with automatic closing and opening, etc.), the doctor will definitely perform an examination and prescribe an x-ray to identify possible bone fractures . If no fractures are detected, then an x-ray may be ordered to assess the extent of pathological changes in the soft tissues. Other examinations for traumatic pain in the toes are usually not prescribed, since this is not necessary.

When pain in the toes occurs against the background of a sharp increase in body temperature to 39 - 40 o C, it is combined with sharp pain in the entire foot (sometimes also in the lower leg), swelling and purple coloration of the skin of the foot and lower leg, with the inability to move the toes, chills, vomiting , headache, but after a while the pain subsides, the general condition improves, but fistulas form with the leakage of purulent contents, then the doctor suspects osteomyelitis and prescribes mandatory X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. If technically possible, X-rays are replaced with computed tomography, which provides more complete information. If it is also necessary to evaluate the condition of the soft tissues of the foot and the degree of their involvement in the pathological process, then magnetic resonance imaging or, if tomography is not available, a simple ultrasound is prescribed. If there are fistulas, then it is prescribed fistulography (sign up) to determine their location, length, communication with the bone, etc.

When pain in one toe (usually the big toe) is severe, combined with redness and swelling of the skin in the area of ​​pain and localized at the edge of the nail, an ingrown toenail is suspected. In this case, the doctor does not prescribe any tests or examinations, but only performs an examination, based on which the diagnosis is already obvious.

When pain on the toe is caused by a callus, the doctor examines it, presses on it and twists it to distinguish the callus from a plantar wart, Morton's disease, etc. The diagnosis is made based on examination, additional examinations are not assigned.

When pain in the toes is associated with hallux valgus (the big toe is inclined towards the other toes and there is a “bunion” protruding from the side of the foot), clubfoot or hammertoes (bent toes with severe protrusion of the joints), the doctor diagnoses the disease based on an external examination. However, to evaluate the condition of the joints, bones and measure different sizes of the foot, the doctor may order an x-ray, plantography (sign up) and podometry.

If the pain is localized under the second, third and fourth toes, is constantly present, intensifies when walking and squeezing the foot, radiates to the fingers and lower leg, then Morton's neuroma is suspected, and in this case the doctor prescribes the following examinations:

• X-ray of the foot;
• Ultrasound of the foot;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (sign up).

When, when walking, a person suffers from pain in the fingers and impaired sensitivity in them, which are combined with a burning sensation in the soles, extreme thirst, copious and frequent urination, increased appetite, sweating, a feeling of dry mucous membranes - the doctor suspects diabetes mellitus and prescribes the following tests and examinations :

• Determination of blood glucose concentration (sign up) on an empty stomach;
• Determination of glucose in urine;
• Determination of the level of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood;
• Determination of the level of C-peptide and insulin in the blood;
• Glucose tolerance test (sign up);
• Ultrasound of the kidneys;
• Rheoencephalography (sign up);
• Rheovasography (sign up) leg vessels.

If pain in the toes is combined with signs of endarteritis (while walking, severe pain, numbness and heaviness appear in the legs, so the person must stop and wait until the pain calms down, and only then can he continue to move) or atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the legs ( there is always squeezing pain in the muscles of the legs or feet, and the feet are cold in any weather), then the doctor prescribes the following tests and examinations:

• Listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope (sign up);
• Measurement blood pressure(sign up);
• Determination of pulsation of leg arteries with hands;
• Biochemical blood test (cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoproteins);
• Arteriography of blood vessels;
• Angiography (magnetic resonance or multislice tomographic method) (sign up);
• Ultrasound of vessels of the extremities (sign up);
• Dopplerography of the vessels of the extremities (sign up);
• Rheovasography of the extremities (to assess blood flow speed);
• Thermography;
• Capillaroscopy (sign up);
• Functional tests (sign up)(thermometric, Goldflam, Shamova, paranephric or paravertebral blockade of the lumbar ganglia).

If a person suffers from pain in the toes and interdigital spaces, which are combined with itching and burning, redness of the nails, changes in the shape of the nails, swelling of the tips of the toes, changes in the normal color of the skin on the foot, then a fungal infection is suspected, and in this case the doctor will prescribe the following tests and examinations:

• Dermatoscopy (sign up);
• Examination of the affected areas under a Wood's lamp;
• Determination of skin pH;
• Microscopy of skin and nail scrapings;
• Sowing scrapings from skin and nails onto nutrient media.

It's not every day that brings happiness and joy to people. There are those moments when one way or another some illnesses and unpleasant sensations make themselves felt. One of the negative and unpleasant manifestations there is pain in the legs, in particular when it hurts. The fact is that there may be reasons for such a manifestation a considerable amount. For some people, the pain is constant, for others it occurs for several hours during the day or at night. Therefore, it is worth considering why the big toe may hurt, and how this manifestation can be dealt with.

This is one of the possible reasons why discomfort may be felt in. Most often, swelling and pain are observed in the fingers, and this manifests itself after running or walking. It is possible that such discomfort is associated with a malfunction blood vessels in the legs. The likelihood of getting this disease increases in people over 30 years of age. Most often it manifests itself in:

1. Men whose age has begun to pass beyond 35 years.
2. In people with diabetes.
3. For those who can't get rid of bad habit smoking.

The main problem is that a violation can be a symptom of quite serious diseases, which include arterial atherosclerosis or obliterating endarteritis. Accordingly, each of these diseases will not proceed in the best way, which will result in a minimization of supply necessary substances into tissues and muscles, and accordingly the transport of oxygen to body tissues will be reduced.

As for the places where the disease manifests itself, discomfort is most often observed in the big toes, shins, and feet. Based on the location of pain, we can assume where exactly the blockage of blood vessels occurs. In parallel, this phenomenon will be accompanied by pallor or dryness of the extremities, as well as fragility.

This is one of the reasons why your thumb hurts. This disease is also known as gout. It is noteworthy that the name of such diseases is simply double-checking whether people have twisted them, because arthrosis and gout are absolutely various diseases. If we talk about the latter disease, then most often it is typical for men, and arthrosis – for women. The cause of the disease is prolonged wearing of shoes with very narrow toes. The thumb bone begins to protrude to the side, which causes a mass unpleasant moments. Accordingly, injuries and rubbing from shoes occur. Because of this, deformation of the fingers will also be observed. The problem will become much worse if there is a transformation of not only the finger itself, but also deformation of the joint itself.

If you want to avoid solving such a problem, then this is not the best option. Believe me, the longer the finger is in an abnormal state, the more difficult it will be to return everything to normal. Problems also arise when the big toe pushes out the second or third toe on the same foot. The result is deformation of the foot, and it can be quite difficult to combat such a manifestation other than through surgery.

For what other reason can a finger hurt?

Who is more likely to suffer from such diseases?

No matter how this issue is looked at, most often the big toe begins to hurt in women. Let's look at the main reasons why the fair sex is susceptible to this kind of disease.

Conclusions:

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Our entire body relative to the surface area of ​​our feet is not small at all. Proper distribution of mass is achieved by the arches and special structure of the foot. Wherein, the maximum load falls on the first toe.

This tension often leads to illness.

There are many reasons why your big toe hurts:

• injuries - fracture, dislocation, bruise,
• arthritis,
• arthrosis,
• hallux valgus deformity,
• ingrown nail,
• dry callus.

Finger hurts in the joint area

The thumb is often injured. The reasons are quite simple and mundane:

Ask your question to a neurologist for free

Irina Martynova. Graduated from Voronezh State University medical University them. N.N. Burdenko. Clinical resident and neurologist of the BUZ VO \"Moscow Polyclinic\".

• falling a heavy object on your leg,
• hitting an obstacle (the so-called “night walker” bruise)
• poor placement of the foot, with subluxation,
• overvoltage during prolonged exercise (ballerina).

Both the soft tissues of the finger and the joint or bone of the phalanx can be injured.

If the injury is only superficial, a hematoma (bruise) develops in the area of ​​the bruise, and the pain in the big toe is not pronounced and almost does not change when trying to move. If you try to touch the site of the impact, the pain will intensify.

Injury may result in dislocation of the phalanx first finger. The most common mechanism of such injury is a foot strike on a hard object or a fall. A sharp, acute pain that occurs at the moment of impact and a change in the position of the finger will help to recognize a dislocation: it may seem bent. Swelling develops quickly, and the big toe hurts especially badly when bent.

Fracture and fissure of the bone of the distal phalanx of the big toe develop after particularly strong blow foot or when falling from above onto a toe of gravity. The pain associated with a fracture is very strong and acute. The swelling of the finger quickly increases, it is impossible to step on the foot.

To confirm the diagnosis of a fracture or dislocation, an x-ray is performed.

Nail pain

Sometimes, painful sensations occur directly at the edge of the nail. The skin in this area turns red and inflamed, swells, becomes hot. In the future, white pus may even appear from the inflamed area. This condition is called felon, or more precisely, paronychia. Reason: Small wounds on the fingertip become easily infected.

An ingrown toenail often leads to the development of inflammation.

Contributes to this

• wearing narrow shoes that squeeze the foot,
• improper cutting of nails: the cut should be perpendicular to the foot,
• insufficient hygiene, causing infections.

With panaritium, the big toe hurts extremely strongly, pulsatingly. The pain intensifies if you lower the leg down and is relieved when you raise the limb on a pillow.

As a rule, panaritium requires surgical treatment, which is carried out at the peak of inflammation, when the pain is unbearable.

Thumb bone

Often a person associates pain in a finger with the presence of a bone near the joint. This foot deformity is a direct consequence of transverse flatfoot.

In a healthy person, maintaining the correct distribution of weight on the foot is ensured by two arches: longitudinal and transverse. Everyone has heard about the first variant of flat feet: children in kindergartens are checked for pathology by making foot prints on paper. Second option, transverse flatfoot- the lot of grown-up, beautiful women who are accustomed to wearing high heels throughout the day.

If the height of the heel of the shoes is higher than 3-5 cm, then the pressure from the entire foot is transferred to the area under the toes.

Open sandals are especially dangerous:

• Gradually, under the weight of its own weight, the arch becomes flat, disappears, and the toes become deformed.
• The thumb suffers first, as it bears the heaviest load.
• It becomes deformed, bending, forming a bone at the joint and pressing on other fingers.

This long process, which is difficult to stop, will lead a 20-year-old girl by the age of 60 to disfiguring deformities of all her toes. This phenomenon is called hallux valgus and is accompanied by pain in the big toe. The pain is especially aggravated when wearing high-heeled shoes.

Any attempt to turn or bend the affected finger is accompanied by a dull, aching pain.

If we are talking about gout, then specific treatment is prescribed a diet with limited animal protein and drugs that control uric acid metabolism: allopurinol.

Ointments

In parallel with the use of injections and tablets, they are used locally, in the form of ointments and gels:

• Indomethacin.

For bruises when a hematoma develops, you can use heparin or troxevasin ointments. They will help the bruise resolve quickly.

Physiotherapy

Many physiotherapeutic methods very successfully used for chronic pain in the thumb.

• Ultrasound therapy: restores blood circulation, reduces inflammation.
• Laser therapy: relaxes muscles, removes bone growths and swelling.
• Shock wave therapy: resolves growths, improves blood supply to the foot.
• Orthopedic insoles: reduce the load on the foot and correctly distribute it along the leg.

Good insoles cannot just be bought - they must be made strictly according to the foot by an orthopedic doctor.

Exercises

Deforming osteoarthritis and hallux valgus deformity really need at least minimal exercises.

• Stand at shoulder width. We lift the heel off the floor, the toes are pressed. Make circular movements with your feet.
• Scatter small objects on the floor: pencils, pens, lids. Try to collect them all with your toes.
• Before getting out of bed in the morning, raise your leg and try to write letters of the alphabet in the air.

Traditional methods

Many medicinal herbs have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to make infusions for compresses:

• Chamomile,
• Eucalyptus,
• Horsetail,
• Oregano,
• Sagebrush,
• Yarrow,
• Pine cones,
• Mustard oil.

Infusions are prepared from herbs: dry or fresh raw materials are poured hot water and infused in a dark place for 3 days. Then, the liquid is used as part of a compress.

If you use vodka or alcohol as a liquid, you can get a tincture. It can be used as a rub, carefully rubbing into the affected finger.

Surgery

Sometimes, conservative medicine becomes obsolete. And pain in the thumb causes a lot of inconvenience to a person. For such cases there are operations:

• Ingrown toenail that does not budge conventional treatment, is easily removed in the clinic - a new one will grow in its place.
• A similar operation may be needed for paronychia, when the infection of the damaged nail does not allow it to fully recover.
• The panaritium of the big toe also requires opening and removal of pus. This small procedure is performed by a surgeon in a clinic.
• If the bunion near the big toe becomes severely deformed, it can be removed. There are about 100 types of foot correction surgery. Today, minor interventions with small incisions are preferred. The operation itself is small and is usually completed in two hours. But in the future, wearing orthopedic shoes and a bandage is required.

See a doctor urgently!

• Any injury to a finger must necessarily lead to an emergency room in order to take a picture and rule out severe damage to the foot.
• Inflammatory problems - arthritis, panaritium can lead to blood poisoning if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible if there is a suspicion of inflammation of the finger.
• – a serious chronic disease, the treatment of which uses dangerous drugs that should only be prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, gout should be treated by a specialist.

Despite all their insignificance, the big toes of the right or left foot vital us for proper and comfortable walking.

Therefore, you should not be irresponsible about foot problems and, if pain occurs, rush to a specialist.

Additionally, be sure to watch the following video

Crib

1. Causes of big toe pain: injuries, arthritis, arthrosis, hallux valgus, ingrown toenail, dry callus.
2. Pain along with numbness is a sign of diabetes.
3. Therapy includes: medications, physical therapy, traditional recipes, exercises, surgical treatment.
4. Basic remedies to alleviate the condition acute pain– non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ketorol).
5. Drug treatment to avoid side effects accompanied by the use of inhibitors proton pump(omeprazole, lansoprazole).
6. Ointments and gels are used locally: ortofen, ketoprofen, finalgel, voltaren, indomethacin.
7. Do not hesitate to visit a doctor for any injury, suspected arthritis or gout.

Whatever the pain in the big toe, it causes discomfort when walking and reduces performance. Therefore, painful sensations need to be eliminated as soon as possible. But first you need to find out the cause of the pain and make a primary diagnosis.

Why does your big toe hurt?

Based on the location of the pain, an initial diagnosis can be made:

• the pad hurts - this can be caused by a callus, hematoma, splinter;
• the thumb is swollen near the nail - possible ingrowth into soft tissue, suppuration;
• joint pain - the reasons may be tight shoes, exercise stress, finger injury, but joint pathology cannot be ruled out.

• hallux valgus;
• arthrosis;
• arthritis;
• gout;
• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis, endarteritis.

If not only the big toe hurts, but also the other toes, then it’s better to study. In it we will talk about the causes and methods of treatment.

Eliminating the external cause of toe pain

Ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis)

Treatment

An ingrown toenail must be cut off. But trust this matter better surgeon, who will do it professionally and practically painlessly. In the future, you need to learn how to cut the nail correctly during a pedicure or contact a professional at the salon.

Injury

Treatment of internal causes of toe pain

Hallux valgus (finger)

• flat feet;
• genetics;
• endocrine disorders.

With hallux valgus, orthopedic pads help, preventing the joint from moving with the help of a fixator. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.

Folk remedies

Decoctions and infusions of propolis can help relieve the pain of a deformed finger. Turpentine baths are widely known for their use, as well as the application of bile ointments, mixtures of hot pepper with ammonia.

Clay is widely known in folk medicine as excellent remedy to relieve inflammation, irritation and burning of the skin. It is also known in the treatment of hallux valgus. Recipe:

• red clay – 50 g;
• sea ​​salt – 1 tbsp. spoon;
• turpentine – 6 drops.

From the video of the Academy of Orthopedics on the topic of protruding foot bone, you can learn in detail the causes of joint deformation, as well as methods of its treatment:

Arthritis

Disease of the blood vessels in the legs

Treatment

Treatment of the big toe, pain in which is caused by vascular diseases, is based on improving blood circulation. Anti-inflammatory and hormonal ointments, vitamins. An excellent effect can be achieved with mud baths. If necessary, pain is blocked with novocaine.

Treatment folk remedies

Since vitamin C prevents the formation of blood clots and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, saturating the body with it is especially important for this disease. An orange in combination with lemon and a spoon of honey will do the job perfectly:

• Pass 2 pieces of orange and lemon through a meat grinder.
• Add 2 tablespoons of honey and a glass of vegetable oil to the mixture.
• You need to take a tablespoon 3 times a day.

Pain in the legs is a fairly common and unsafe complaint, regardless of the location of its source. Often this is just one of the symptoms of the disease, the presence of which can only be determined by a specialist. But if you just have a pain in your big toe, can it be dangerous and is it worth bothering the doctor about such a trifle? If you want to save beautiful light gait and healthy legs, it is necessary to consult a specialist in any case. Quite often, unexplained pain progresses, leading to temporary or permanent lameness.

Big toe hurts - causes

To get rid of excruciating pain, you need to find out the cause as quickly as possible and try to eliminate it. Great amount The factors that cause big toe pain do not allow us to consider all of them in detail, but it is advisable to know the most common ones.

1. Gout

main reason"aristocratic" disease - a violation correct exchange substances. Crystals of uric acid derivatives of sodium urate are deposited in the joints and gradually lead to its destruction. As a rule, an attack gouty arthritis starts with a bang pressing pain, more often at night. First, the big toe hurts excruciatingly, then the accompanying symptoms rapidly increase - redness of the skin around the joint, swelling of the tissues, the temperature in the affected area rises, and the pain spreads up the leg. During the day it becomes a little easier, but at night the unbearable pain returns with renewed vigor. The inflammatory process can cause suffering for several days and even weeks. Exacerbations of gout are possible up to several times during the year, and their main causes are:

- alcohol abuse;

- the presence of too many fatty foods on the menu;

- passion for strong tea and coffee.

It is impossible to get rid of frequent gout attacks without following a proper diet. The representatives most often suffer from the disease strong point, after forty years. Other joints can also become the target of gout attack.

2. Arthrosis

The disease often plagues beautiful ladies and is evidence of their defeat in an unequal duel with capricious fashion. Wanting to keep up with the latter's rapid pace, the women bravely squeeze into narrow-toed high-heeled shoes and with a sweet smile endure the discomfort and merciless squeezing of their toes for a long time. The result is curvature of the thumb, the appearance of an unesthetic “bone” and deformation of the joint. A periodically occurring inflammatory process leads to an increase in the problem - the big toe hurts more and more noticeably, at first only after a long walk, and later at rest.

3. Uncomfortable shoes can cause another problem - ingrown nails. In addition to tight shoes, this can also be caused by cutting your nails too short and improperly rounding their edges. In this case, the big toe hurts severely, the skin around the nail is red and swollen, and pus accumulates inside. It is unlikely that you will be able to deal with the problem on your own; you need to immediately contact a specialist.

4. Morton's neuroma

Illness arises from degeneration fibrous tissue and its significant thickening as a result of wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes, excessive loads on the feet, injuries and flat feet. The source of pain occurs at the level of the fourth and third fingers, but the big one also suffers. The pain is felt at the base of the toes and affects only one leg. It occurs due to pinching of certain nerve endings, gradually intensifies and makes even simple walking impossible.

5. Injuries

The most common fractures of the terminal phalanges of the thumb occur. The following signs confirm the injury in the first hours after the incident:

- the big toe hurts even with passive movement;

- there is swelling;

- bruises on the back and side surfaces of the finger;

- There is pain when palpated.

If the nail bed is damaged, there is a high possibility of infection.

6. Bursitis

A mobile, soft and round swelling around the joint, a purple, “flaming” skin color and a noticeable pain in the big toe - these are the main manifestations of inflammation of the joint capsule called bursitis. If it appears as a result of injury, then infection may be present. Bursitis becomes purulent, and the following are added to the initial symptoms:

- weakness and nausea;

— headache;

- increase in body temperature;

- unbearable pain spreads throughout the entire foot.

The big toe hurts in the company of younger brothers and with other diseases:

- inflammation of arterial vessels;

- diabetes mellitus;

- deformation and incorrect position of the foot;

- tendon lesions.

Big toe hurts - treatment

If you experience pain in your big toe, you should definitely contact a specialist - a traumatologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist or surgeon. Trying to cope with the problem on your own without knowing the diagnosis can only make it worse. In the case where the big toe hurts in the joint area, the doctor prescribes a full examination to determine the root cause. During the procedure, you should limit the load on your toes and feet as much as possible.

Whatever the reason for the pain in the big toe, treatment should begin with an impact on the underlying ailment. For example, if you have gout, the doctor recommends eliminating fatty foods from your diet; if you have diabetes, you should control your body weight. A surgeon or specialist from the podiatry department will help you get rid of an ingrown toenail, and after an injury you should seek help from a traumatologist.

If a joint is deformed and a bone has formed, initial stage folk remedies and special fixatives will help. It is quite effective to perform special exercises, which are recommended to be performed at least once a day, repeating each of them 5-6 times:

1. stretch a regular elastic band thumbs legs;

2. try to lift small objects from the floor with your feet;

3. sitting on a chair, place your feet on your heels and forcefully push your toes apart;

4. In a lying position, vigorously straighten and bend your fingers.

A small soft roller, inserted between the thumb and second finger at every opportunity, will help gradually return the “lost” finger to its usual place.

If treatment is ineffective and there is pronounced deformation, it is indicated surgical intervention. Modern methods surgical treatment preserves the functionality and mobility of the joints. The rehabilitation period lasts 1-2 months, during which the doctor recommends specialized shoes to avoid stress on the foot. Before deciding to have surgery, carefully select a clinic. Success depends on the professionalism of doctors and reliability medical institution.

Big toe hurts - treatment with folk remedies

In some cases, when your big toe hurts, you can use simple secrets traditional medicine. However, this should not be an alternative to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

1. When severe bruises Thumb will help their gruel onions. Ease pain and fresh leaves plantain or wormwood, bodyaga.

2. If the culprit of the pain is diabetes mellitus, tincture of celery root and decoction of partitions will be effective walnuts.

3. If the pain is caused by gout, compresses made from lard or fresh fish, chopped onions, activated carbon pulp and alcohol will help relieve it.

4. For arthritis, lubricate the sore spot apple cider vinegar, make lotions from potato infusions or bay leaf.

5. For arthrosis, fresh cabbage leaves and yogurt compresses are good.

Especially a lot grandma's recipes suggested for the treatment of bunions in case of deformation of the thumb joint:

— Make a mixture of 50 g of red clay, one tablespoon of sea salt and a glass boiled water. Add 5 drops of turpentine, mix thoroughly and apply to the seeds. Keep the mixture until it hardens, then rinse the skin thoroughly warm water without detergents.

— Every day make comfortable foot baths with water sea ​​salt. It should be no warmer than body temperature, and the procedure lasts 15 minutes.

- Boil potato peelings, dilute the broth with water and keep your feet for 15 minutes.

— The carcass of a freshly caught fish with the bones removed from it is applied to the desired place and bandaged. In the morning, wash the leg with warm water and lubricate the bone with fir oil.

However, all these remedies are aimed, rather, at relieving pain. You shouldn’t rely too much on your grandmother’s advice; it is much more effective to combine their implementation with the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Big toe hurts - prevention

The most successful treatment any disease is its prevention. To avoid having to complain to the doctor that your big toe hurts, try following some tips:

- do not wear uncomfortable or too narrow shoes, keep your toes in a free position;

— if you have to stand for a long time, distribute the forced load on your legs equally, change your supporting leg;

- high heels - not for walking on them all day long, optimal time is 3-4 hours;

- do not get carried away with too much fatty foods, alcohol and smoking, limit the consumption of coffee and strong tea;

- if signs of bone enlargement appear, use a brace and do special exercises;

- take good care of your feet, avoid roughening the skin and trim your nails correctly;

- Avoid all kinds of injuries, and in the event of an accident, immediately seek professional help. medical care.

Normal weight, comfortable shoes, proper nutrition and paying close attention to your health is a real chance to maintain healthy and beautiful legs into old age!