Why does my 3rd toe hurt

It most often occurs between the third and fourth toes, but can also occur between the second and third toes. It most commonly occurs in middle-aged people, especially middle-aged women. Your toes may feel numb or tingle as the pain radiates out. You may have difficulty walking normally because of the pain. A small study from reviewed medical records from 85 people who had their feet imaged with magnetic resonance imaging MRI. These shoes can cause the nerves in your feet to become compressed or irritated.

The irritated nerve thickens and gradually becomes more painful as a result of the pressure on it. Another possible cause is a foot or gait abnormality, which can lead to instability and can also put pressure on a nerve in your foot. Your doctor will ask you how the pain started and physically examine your foot. To rule out other possible causes of your pain, such as arthritis or a stress fracture, your doctor may sometimes order imaging tests.

These can include:. If your doctor suspects another nerve condition, they may also perform an electromyography. This test measures the electrical activity produced by your muscles, which can help your doctor better understand how well your nerves are functioning. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms.

Your doctor will usually use a graduated plan. Conservative treatment starts with using arch supports or foot pads for your shoes. These help relieve the pressure on the affected nerve.

This unusual condition occurs when the second metatarsal bone becomes deformed. Most often found in young women, it normally happens during rapid growth at puberty. Your consultant will invite you to explain your symptoms in detail at your first meeting and will then normally perform X-rays, MRI scans, and, in some cases, bone scans to pinpoint any areas of bone damage.

Taking plenty of rest, wearing special medical shoes to minimise pressure on the toe and taking anti-inflammatory painkillers as directed by your doctor, may prove effective. Depending on the severity of the condition, your consultant may recommend surgery to clean up the joint to ease the pain.

It is normally found in the nerve between the third and fourth toes, but the second and third toes can be afflicted too. It may involve a single foot or both feet. Your consultant will advise you on the most suitable course of treatment at your first meeting, once you have discussed your symptoms with him or her. Frequently, a change in footwear, taking pain relief under medical advice, getting plenty of rest, maintaining a healthy body weight, and a personalised course of physiotherapy is sufficient to ease the pain.

Steroid injections to minimise the inflammation may be offered. However if the injection is not placed in exactly the correct location it may lead to damage to the ligaments of the toes and discolouration of the overlying skin. The plantar plate is the soft tissue on the sole of the foot, connected to the base of the toe and metatarsal bones. Its function is to cushion you when running or walking and assists in bringing the toe to the ground when you are standing.

Plantar plate problems can trigger other conditions such as a dislocated toe or hammer toe. Your consultant will invite you to give a full explanation of your symptoms at your initial appointment and guide you towards the most appropriate course of treatment.

Plantar plate problems do not always require surgery. Frequently, resting the foot in combination with the regular application of an ice pack, along with taking anti-inflammatory pain relief, under medical advice, can solve the problem. Shoe insoles or a change of footwear can also help. If your consultant considers that the plantar plate is at risk of tearing, or he feels it may result in hammer toe, a surgical route may be recommended. Depending on the specifics of your plantar plate problem, this can involve:.

This condition involves pain in the sesamoid bones lying under the big toe joint. The tendons allow the muscles to function properly, are key in weight bearing exercise and are needed to move the big toe. A conversation about reducing the harms of social media.

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Just take a few seconds to fill out this form, and send your request so that our team can get you scheduled. Foot deformities — people with bunions, hammertoes, flat feet or overly flexible feet are at increased risk for neuroma growth. Certain sports — high impact activity running, court sports subjects your feet to repetitive trauma. Sports that require tight shoes snow skiing put pressure on the foot.

Excessive weight — being overweight increases foot strain. When do I see a doctor? Imaging tests for neuroma detection: X-rays — do not detect soft tissue growths such as a neuroma; they rule out other causes for pain, like stress fractures or arthritis. Ultrasound — sound waves create live images of nerves and soft tissue growths, like neuromas. Ultrasound also detects other conditions that occur alongside neuromas, such as bursitis inflammation around the bones.

MRI — magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field, to visualize soft tissues, such as neuromas. Conservative first-line treatments Change in shoes — low heels, wide toes and good arch support will reduce pressure on the foot.

Padding — padding the foot arch reduces pressure on the nerve when you are walking. Icing — helps reduce swelling in the foot.

Orthotic devices — custom-made orthotic arch and ankle supports reduce pressure on the neuroma. Activity modification — repetitive foot pressure due to sports running, racquetball, mountain climbing should be avoided until the neuroma pain improves. Anti-inflammatory medication — drugs such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin or naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn reduce inflammation-related pain. Injection therapy — an injection of local anesthetic nerve-numbing Lidocaine and steroids into the foot, helps decrease pain and inflammation.