Foot and Toe Pain
From fungal infections and ingrown nails to arthritis, hammertoes, and neuromas, foot and toe pain takes many forms and has many causes. At Cella Foot & Ankle Specialty, Dr. Cella diagnoses and treats the full range of forefoot and toe conditions for patients in Fair Lawn, NJ , offering conservative care whenever possible and advanced treatment when it is needed. Whatever is causing your discomfort, the first step toward relief is an accurate diagnosis.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that typically begins between the toes, often caused by sweaty feet confined to tight shoes for long periods. Signs and symptoms include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging, and burning. Athlete's foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. It can often be treated with antifungal medications, though the infection is likely to recur, and prescription medications are also available when needed.
Arthritic Big Toe
Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe. It is the most common arthritic condition of the foot, affecting 1 in 40 people over the age of 50 and typically developing in those over age 30, and it tends to affect women more than men. Most patients feel pain in the big toe joint while active, especially when pushing off to walk, along with swelling around the joint or difficulty moving and bending the toe. A bump, like a bunion or bone spur, can develop on top of the joint and be aggravated by rubbing against the inside of a shoe.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions can develop from an inherited structural difference, excess stress on the foot, or an existing medical condition. For the most part, mild bunions require no medical treatment, but if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty wearing shoes, a podiatrist can help alleviate your symptoms.
Corns
Corns are small calluses that usually occur on the feet, on or between the toes in weight-bearing areas. They are often caused by ill-fitting shoes and can grow into unsightly, hardened patches that become a nuisance.
Calluses
Although many people consider calluses to be a simple skin problem, they are actually an indicator of underlying bone issues. In the foot, calluses are typically seen on the heels, the balls of the feet, and the outer side of the big toe. Calluses have their own nerves and sacs of fluid that act as cushioning, which can cause pain over time. Recurrent, painful calluses may also signal fat pad thinning, addressed on our fat pad injection therapy page.
Foot Fractures
Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common. There are two general types. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and the middle of the foot, usually as a result of physical activity gone awry, and affects only the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone and are usually caused by trauma to the foot. Dr. Cella determines the type and severity of the fracture to recommend the right treatment, from immobilization to surgical repair.
Fungal Nails
Fungal infections in the toenails or fingernails can make the nails appear thickened, discolored, or disfigured. While it may seem like a purely cosmetic concern, fungal infections can lead to worsening symptoms and pain. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and the normal aging process are all associated with fungal infections, and they are more likely to develop in seniors and adults than in children. Dr. Cella offers effective treatment to clear the infection and improve the health and appearance of the nail.
Gout
While we often associate arthritis with older, active patients, gout can affect anyone. Gout is a common form of arthritis known for its sudden attacks of pain and joint tenderness, and affected joints are often hot to the touch, swollen, and very tender. Although symptoms are not constant, it is essential to take preventive measures to manage gout, as its flare-ups can be debilitating and intolerable. Dr. Cella can help you manage acute attacks and reduce the frequency of future ones.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is a deformity in which one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes begin to bend outside of their normal alignment. As you wear shoes, pressure can weigh heavily on the toes, which is where pain and other symptoms develop. Hammertoes typically begin with small symptoms and deformities that worsen over time. In the early stages they are often flexible, meaning they can be controlled with minimal treatment, so it is important to recognize the signs and have them evaluated early. If left untreated, hammertoes can become firm and difficult to manipulate, eventually requiring surgery.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding the toe, usually the big toe. Ingrown toenails can be very uncomfortable and painful, and they can easily lead to an infection. Dr. Cella offers prompt, gentle treatment to relieve the pain and, when necessary, prevent the problem from recurring.
Neuroma
A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton's neuroma is the most common neuroma in the foot, occurring between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, its name describes its location in the ball of the foot. Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken, and this pressure creates inflammation of the nerve that can ultimately cause lasting damage. Early evaluation helps relieve symptoms and protect the nerve.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus and appear as small, rough lesions on the bottom of the feet. While most plantar warts are not a major health concern, it is advised that you see a doctor to have them examined and removed. Symptoms include small, rough lesions on the base of the foot, a callus over one spot, and tenderness when walking or standing for long periods. Dr. Cella offers effective removal options to relieve discomfort and prevent spread.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Sesamoiditis refers to inflammation of the flexor tendon surrounding these bones and is caused by increased pressure to the ball of the foot. It is often associated with a dull, longstanding pain beneath the big toe joint that comes and goes, usually with certain shoes or activities, and it is especially common among certain athletes and dancers. Sesamoiditis can often be treated conservatively with padding, custom orthotics, and injections, and if the pain persists, surgical removal of the sesamoid can be performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of foot and toe pain?
Foot and toe pain can arise from many conditions, including bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, ingrown or fungal nails, corns and calluses, neuromas, gout, fractures, and infections such as athlete's foot. Because the causes are so varied, an accurate diagnosis is essential to effective treatment.
When should I see a podiatrist for toe pain?
You should schedule an evaluation if pain is persistent or worsening, if you notice swelling, redness, or deformity, if a nail is ingrown or infected, or if the pain interferes with walking or wearing shoes. Early care often prevents a minor issue from becoming a serious one.
Can an ingrown toenail be treated at home?
Mild cases may improve with soaking and proper trimming, but a painful, red, or infected ingrown toenail should be treated professionally. Dr. Cella can relieve the pain quickly and, for recurring cases, offer a procedure to prevent the nail from becoming ingrown again.
How are hammertoes treated?
In their early, flexible stage, hammertoes can often be managed with roomier footwear, padding, and orthotics. If the toe becomes rigid and painful, surgery may be needed to correct the deformity. Early evaluation gives you the widest range of options.
Is toenail fungus just a cosmetic problem?
Not always. Beyond thickened, discolored nails, fungal infections can cause discomfort and spread, and they are especially important to treat in people with diabetes or a weakened immune system. Dr. Cella offers treatment to clear the infection and protect the nail.
What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue, most often between the third and fourth toes, that causes pain, burning, or the feeling of a pebble in your shoe. It results from compression and irritation of the nerve, and early treatment helps relieve symptoms and prevent lasting damage.
Can foot and toe pain be prevented?
Many problems can be reduced by wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes, keeping nails trimmed correctly, practicing good foot hygiene, using orthotics when recommended, and addressing pain early before it worsens. Regular checkups also help catch issues before they become serious.