Toe Pain

Toe pain can have many different causes. If you’ve just stubbed your toe or have an open wound, the cause is usually obvious and the pain is easily explained.

But below, you'll find the 10 lesser-known causes of toe pain. At Podobrace, we offer effective solutions for every type of toe pain!

Pain in the big toe due to a misalignment

Hallux Valgus is a deformity where the big toe angles inward toward the other toes. This can lead to severe pain in the big toe and may eventually cause a bursa inflammation.

The most common cause is prolonged wearing of tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes.

At Podobrace, we’ve offered effective solutions for Hallux Valgus for years—so you can finally take control of your big toe pain.

Toe joint pain as the source of your discomfort

Wear and tear in the toe joint (osteoarthritis) can lead to Hallux Rigidus—a stiff big toe joint. Arthritis in the toes often occurs after a fracture or inflammation.

Fortunately, Podobrace offers proven support for Hallux Rigidus—experience the difference today.

Corns and calluses causing toe pain

When an area of the toe is exposed to repeated pressure or friction from improper footwear, a corn (clavus) or callus may form. A corn becomes painful when it presses into the soft tissue of the toe, especially when walking.

At Podobrace, we’ve had great success using specially designed insoles to relieve toe pain caused by corns or calluses, providing the cushioning you need.

Toe pain caused by flat feet

Normally, feet have an arch that lifts the midfoot. In rigid flat feet, the entire foot rests on the ground, often leading to toe pain. That’s why it’s important to ensure your feet receive proper support and shock absorption.

Podobrace offers some of the best insoles for flat feet, ideal for relieving toe pain related to this condition.

A broken toe causing toe pain

A broken toe occurs when the metatarsal bone or one of the toe bones cracks or fractures. This can cause intense pain in the toe. Even a bruised toe can be extremely painful—sometimes more so than a fracture.

If toe pain is due to a break or bruise, rest is key. At Podobrace, we offer solutions designed to minimize pressure on the toe, including supportive insoles that help promote healing.

Gout in the toe joint

Gout is a form of joint inflammation caused by the buildup of uric acid or calcium phosphate. Gout most often affects the big toe and is characterized by sudden, intense pain—often described as pulsing or throbbing.

The joint may become red, swollen, warm, and painful to move. At Podobrace, we offer supportive insoles that help reduce stress on the joint and ease pain caused by gout.

Toe pain caused by athlete’s foot (fungal infection)

If a fungal infection develops between your toes, it can result in local inflammation and intense discomfort, often accompanied by itching and skin peeling.

When toe pain is caused by athlete’s foot, an antifungal treatment is usually effective.

Toe pain from a bacterial infection

A staph infection in the toe can result in severe, throbbing pain. This type of infection often occurs due to improper nail trimming or from an ingrown toenail.

Find more info below if you suspect this might be the cause of your toe pain.

Toe pain from an ingrown toenail

When a nail grows into the surrounding soft tissue, it can cause extreme pain, redness, and tenderness—especially when pressure is applied.

At Podobrace, we’ve used specific insoles for years to relieve pressure and reduce pain caused by ingrown toenails, with great success.

Toe pain from fungal nails, thickened nails, or horn nails

A fungal nail (or thickened/horn nail) is caused by an abnormal buildup of keratin or a fungal infection that results in yellow, deformed nails. When it progresses, it can lead to toe pain.

Toe pain caused by a thickened nail can often be managed by resting the toe and taking antifungal medications.

Need help choosing the right solution for your toe pain? Our specialist team at Podobrace is ready to help you find the most effective support for your symptoms.