by Last updated on March 11th, 2024 at 12:11 am
Pinky toe pain is not uncommon and can make it difficult for individuals to go about their daily lives. Various issues can cause the pain. The common ones include fractures, hammer toes, osteoarthritis, Tailor’s bunion, corns and calluses, bone spurs, dislocation, trauma, sprains, gout, blisters and ingrown toenails. It is essential to seek medical help if your pain persists or worsens over time. However, understanding more about the various causes of this pain can help you better manage and prevent it. This article will provide an overview of the causes of pinky toe pain, available treatment options, and prevention tips.
Fracture
Fractures are one of the most common causes of pinky toe pain. They can result from falling, tripping, or even dropping something heavy on your toe. Symptoms associated with fractures usually include swelling, bruising, redness and severe pain in the affected area. If you have a pinky fracture, see a healthcare provider immediately. Treatment for a fractured pinky toe typically includes immobilization, splinting and rest to allow the injury to heal.
Ice is used to reduce inflammation and pain. If the fracture is severe enough, surgery may be required to realign the bones correctly so they heal properly. In addition, wearing wider-fit shoes will help take pressure off the toe. Medications may also help with pain and inflammation. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines. You may be interested in fractures of the big toe and stress fracture in the foot.
Hammer Toes
Hammer toe is another common cause of pinky toe pain. It occurs when the first phalangeal joint becomes bent in an unnatural position. It can be caused by genetics, improper FootwearFootwear, or trauma to the toe. Symptoms of a hammer toe usually include difficulty moving it, deformity and tenderness at the top of the toe. Treatment includes wearing shoes with a deep and wide toebox and using foam padding to minimize discomfort from rubbing against your shoes. If pain is persistent, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity.
Osteoarthritis
This is a form of arthritis that affects different joints throughout the body, including those in the feet. It occurs in the pinky due to wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint and can lead to inflammation and severe pain in the long run. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis in the pinky toe include pain during walking or standing, stiffness in the morning or after periods of rest, swelling or redness around joints, difficulty bending or flexing the toe and reduced range of motion.
So, what can be done for osteoarthritis in the big toe? Treatment for this ailment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, footwear with a thick base and a rocker bottom to take pressure off the foot. Sometimes, an orthotic device may be needed to offload the toe. Additionally, if your BMI is high, reducing it may help reduce symptoms.
Tailor’s Bunion
Tailor’s bunion (also known as bunionette) is a painful condition characterized by a bump outside the small toe joint. It is often caused by long periods in ill-fitting shoes. Sometimes, the two bones which make up the joint deviate and a spur (bone growth) can form on the bones. Common symptoms associated with Tailor’s bunion include:
- Burning sensations
- Swelling at the base of the little toe joint
- Formation of hard lumps around the joint
- Redness
- Constant soreness accompanied by throbbing when not engaging in activities.
Treatment for Tailor’s bunions is mainly aimed at reducing discomfort levels. This may include ice packs, massage techniques, specialized splints or bracing devices, orthotics, gel pads and broader footwear.
Corns and calluses
These are thickened areas of skin that form on the toes due to pressure or friction. They can cause pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. Symptoms include thick, hard skin on the toes and pain when pressure is applied to the affected area. Treatment options include using over-the-counter urea-based creams or pads and wearing shoes that fit correctly and do not put pressure on the affected area. Also, a podiatrist can offer treatment to relieve the symptoms and give advice on prevention for corns and calluses. You should consider seeing one, especially if you suffer from underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Bone spur
A spur is a bony growth that can form on the bones of the pinky toe. It can cause pain and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected area. Treatment includes wearing wider-fit shoes, avoiding high heels, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the spur. You can also develop a heel spur, but contrary to popular belief, it is not as common as the prevailing thought out there that it is.
Dislocation
This occurs when the toe is moved out of its normal position, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and an obvious deformity in the affected toe. Treatment options include rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication for the pain. You should see your healthcare provider immediately for treatment. They will order an x-ray to see the extent of the dislocation and to help inform them on what treatment option will be required.
Trauma
Trauma is any injury caused by a sudden impact or force. For example, stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it. You are likely to experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bruising. Treatment options include rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If it is not severe and you must move around, consider wearing wider-fit shoes with a rocker bottom. If it is severe however, see your doctor or a healthcare professional for treatment.
Sprain
An injury to the ligaments that connect the bones in the toes would be considered a sprain. It can occur from participating in physical activities like ballet and dancing, where the toe is highly involved. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected toe. Like most musculoskeletal injuries, treating a sprained metatarsophalangeal joint includes rest, ice, and pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If conservative treatment is not helping, you may need to see a podiatrist or physiotherapist to assess and tailor a treatment plan.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. It mainly affects the big toe joint, but other joints can also be affected. How do you know if you have gout in your big or other joints. Well, gout often causes sudden severe pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling in the affected area. It can sometimes go away on its own, but if it is not going away, you may need to see your care provider for assessment and treatment. Treatment options include medication to reduce inflammation and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future gout attacks. Such as reducing foods high in purines. Long-term therapy with allopurinol medication is recommended if it is difficult to control.
blister
This small fluid-filled sac forms on the skin due to friction or pressure. They are usually uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. Symptoms include a raised, fluid-filled sac on the skin and pain when pressure is applied to the affected area. Treatment options include covering the blister with a bandage to protect it from further friction and infection should the skin break. Appropriately fitted shoes should be worn to avoid future occurrences.
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin (Sulcus). It can be caused by poor footwear, trauma or genetics. Symptoms include pain and redness along the edge of the toenail and sometimes pus or exudate. In severe cases, an infection can occur. Treatment options include soaking the affected area in warm, boiled salt water and trimming the toenail properly. In my experience however, the condition often reoccurs after conservative interventions. As such, minor nail surgery may be required long term. The surgery has a success rate of approximately 90% and is relatively safe. Most people with mild or first stage ingrown toenail does not require surgery.
Final thoughts
It is incumbent on you to take care of your feet to maintain an active life. This includes paying close attention to the type of footwear used daily- ensuring they fit appropriately. Nevertheless, if you develop a Tailor’s bunion and experience toe pain, ensure you see your podiatrist or another healthcare provider for an assessment. They will be able to tailor an appropriate treatment plan for you. Remember, your health is your wealth!
