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How Do I Treat Little Toe Pain?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

A sore little toe can make simple activities such as running, walking, or even putting on shoes very uncomfortable. In order to effectively treat little toe pain, a person must first identify the cause of his or her ailments. A sore toe may be the result of excessive rubbing from tight shoes, leading to a blister or corn. A bunion is a more serious condition in which an irregular bone growth causes the little toe to point inward. Dropping something on the little toe or stepping awkwardly can cause an actual break, which typically needs to be examined and treated by a physician.

Blisters are common in people who engage in frequent activity or wear ill-fitting shoes. Pressure and friction can cause the skin to break open, leading to irritation and tenderness. An individual can usually treat little toe pain caused by a blister by washing the area, applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, and wrapping the toe in an adhesive bandage. By wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding activity as much as possible, most blisters go away within one to two weeks.

An ice pack can be used to treat toe pain.
An ice pack can be used to treat toe pain.

Friction and pressure can also lead to a corn, a rough patch of skin that is tender to the touch. A corn typically appears as a raised bump on the side of the toe, and can be painful when it rubs against shoes or socks. A delicate corn can be treated in much the same way as a blister, by applying antibiotics and avoiding tight shoes. Especially large or painful corns can be surgically removed by a licensed podiatrist.

If a corn on the little toe is large or painful, it can removed by a podiatrist.
If a corn on the little toe is large or painful, it can removed by a podiatrist.

A tailor's bunion, or bunionette, occurs when a bone in the little toe protrudes outward because of a deformity or constant pressure from a narrow shoe. A hard, sensitive, red bump appears on the outside of the toe, which causes the end of the toe to point inward. A person can usually treat little toe pain caused by a bunion by applying ice to ease swelling and irritation, placing a protective bandage around the toe, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. As with other types of toe pain, wearing appropriate shoes is important to allow tailor's bunions to fully heal.

Pain that limits mobility may warrant a visit to the podiatrist.
Pain that limits mobility may warrant a visit to the podiatrist.

Broken toes can be extremely painful and debilitating. In order to immediately treat little toe pain related to a break, a person can apply ice and tape it to the neighboring toe. It is important to seek medical care as soon as possible to ensure that the toe heals properly. A general physician or podiatrist can treat little toe pain by manually straightening the toe and wrapping it in a protective bandage. Healing time can vary depending on the severity of a break, but most people are able to return to regular activity in about two months.

Discussion Comments

anon305028

I stepped on a turkey bone and it went deep. I am afraid that it might have hit a nerve because it tingles. Should I be concerned?

anon280301

There's a pain in my toe which only hurts when I touch it or walk. I don't wear tight shoes and it started after my brother accidentally cracked my toes while horsing around with me. What should I do?

anon130165

Sometimes the toenail on the little toe rubs against the next toe's fleshy side, causing pain on both. It seems that a bandage or cushion of some sort is the easiest remedy. Unremedied it can be quite a bother!

googlefanz

Are the causes of little toe pain the same as those of big toe pain?

I guess what I'm asking is, could a callus like the one people usually get on their big toes happen on my little toe, and cause pain?

musicshaman

Could a problem with the little toe cause my feet to be painful after running? I haven't had any kind of injury, but it seems like my feet just hurt like crazy after I run, and the pain seems to start in my little toe.

I used to have a great deal of pain on the bottom of my foot, but toe pain is a new one to me.

What could be going on here?

pleats

How can you tell if pain of the foot is caused by a little toe infection? I have been having pain on the outside of my feet, mostly sharp pain that comes and goes.

Could this be caused by an infection or problem with my little toe? The pain is on that far side of my foot and sometimes seems to radiate outwards from my little toe. However, I haven't had anything happen to my toes, so what could be causing this?

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    • An ice pack can be used to treat toe pain.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack can be used to treat toe pain.
    • If a corn on the little toe is large or painful, it can removed by a podiatrist.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      If a corn on the little toe is large or painful, it can removed by a podiatrist.
    • Pain that limits mobility may warrant a visit to the podiatrist.
      By: Andrea Arnold
      Pain that limits mobility may warrant a visit to the podiatrist.
    • A foot x-ray may be used to confirm a broken toe.
      By: eAlisa
      A foot x-ray may be used to confirm a broken toe.
    • Bunions can cause pain when walking.
      By: chuugo
      Bunions can cause pain when walking.