Your big toe typically gets all the headlines, but it’s not the only toe that gets injured or becomes painful. A recent look at the analytics of our site found that a number of patients were finding us after searching for “2nd toe pain causes.” We want to help provide some answers to those of you asking why your second toe is hurting. Below, we look at some of the more common conditions that can affect your second toe.
Second Toe Pain Causes
Here’s a look at a few health conditions that can lead to pain and discomfort in your second toe.
Capsulitis – Capsulitis of the second toe is a condition in which inflammation and irritation of the ligament capsule at the bottom of the second toe leads to pain and discomfort. Most patients with this condition experience pain in the ball of their foot, pain that worsens when walking and swelling at the base of their second toe. It can also feel like you’re walking on a pebble or marble. Treating the condition involves a diagnosis from a specialist to determine the underlying cause, which is typically improper foot mechanics. Developing a non-surgical treatment routine to correct these mechanics with changes to footwear and gait tend to be successful.
Metatarsalgia – Metatarsalgia involves the development of a callus on the bottom of your foot that eventually puts pressure on the nerve around the second toe. This condition tends to develop when a person wears improperly fitting shoes. Changing your shoes, taking anti-inflammatory medications and pursuing physical therapy can help to reverse the problems caused by metatarsalgia.
Hammertoes – Hammertoes are a condition in which the toe joint begins to bend upwards and takes on a bunched appearance. This is most often brought on by ill-fitting shoes that put abnormal pressure on the toes. High heels can be a big culprit for hammertoes. If you notice a small permanent upwards bend in your big toe or second toe, consult with a foot specialist because it won’t go away on its own, and it will likely get worse.
These are the three most common conditions that affect your second toe, and all of them involve reevaluating your footwear choice. Take a closer look at the shoes you’re wearing a a regular basis to see if they could be contributing to your second toe pain, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a specialist like Dr. Silverman for individualized help for your issue. We’re only one call away! (920) 850-2244