Tennis toe is a painful condition caused by repeated trauma to the toenail, typically affecting the big toe. It often results from sudden stops, quick direction changes, or wearing shoes that allow the foot to slide forward during intense activity. The repeated impact can cause bleeding beneath the toenail, resulting in a dark discoloration, swelling, or throbbing pain. If left unaddressed, the pressure may cause the nail to lift or fall off, potentially leading to infection or nail deformity. Athletes who wear tight footwear or shoes that lack adequate support in the toe box are at increased risk. A podiatrist can examine the affected toe, confirm the diagnosis, and determine if nail removal or drainage is necessary. Proper shoe fit and addressing mechanical issues of the foot can help prevent recurrence. If you have toenail problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Lesly Honore, MD, DPM of New York. Our doctor 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 feel free to contact our office located in Hempstead, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
