Toes and forefoot
GuideBig toe painBig toe pain is pain in or around the big toe joint. Common causes are arthritis of the joint, gout, bunions and irritation of the small bones under the toe. Roomier shoes, adjusting activity and simple pain relief are the usual first steps, and a podiatrist can help find the cause.GuideFreiberg's diseaseFreiberg's disease is a rare condition in which the blood supply to the end of a toe bone is disrupted, causing pain in the ball of the foot, most often behind the second toe. It mostly affects teenage girls and young women. Most people start with taking pressure off the area; surgery is rarely needed.GuideClaw toeClaw toe is a curling of the smaller toes, where the toe bends up at its base and down further along. Wider, deeper shoes with a soft upper, plus pads, are the usual first steps. Surgery is kept for toes that don't improve.GuideTailor's bunionA tailor's bunion (bunionette) is a bony lump on the outer side of the foot, at the base of the little toe. Wide, soft shoes and padding that cut down rubbing ease the pain for most people, and surgery is an option if pain and shoe problems continue.GuidePlantar plate tearA plantar plate tear is damage to the ligament under the base of a toe, most often the 2nd toe, and it causes pain in the ball of the foot. Simple care such as taping, supportive shoes and padded insoles comes first, and early assessment matters.GuideSesamoiditisSesamoiditis is pain under the big toe joint, from irritation of two small bones there, usually through overuse. Easing the load with activity changes, wide low-heeled shoes and padding or insoles is the usual first step. A podiatrist can assess it and rule out a fracture.GuideHammertoeA hammertoe is a smaller toe that bends down at its middle joint, leaving it curled like a hammer. Roomy, soft shoes and simple padding or taping are the usual first steps, and early on the toe is usually flexible. Surgery is kept for toes that don't improve.GuideStress fractureA stress fracture is a small crack in a bone from repeated load, often after doing too much too soon. Pain that builds with impact and eases with rest is the main sign. Many settle with activity changes, but some sites need closer care.GuideBroken metatarsalA broken metatarsal is a crack or break in one of the long bones in the middle of the foot. It needs checking rather than self-treating. Most breaks where the bones haven't shifted heal without surgery, using a protective shoe, boot or cast, and healing takes weeks.GuideBroken toeA broken toe is a crack or break in a toe bone. Most heal in about 4 to 6 weeks with rest, taping to the next toe and a stiff-soled shoe. See your GP or a podiatrist the same day for a big toe, a crooked toe, a wound, numbness or a colour change.GuideBall of foot painBall of foot pain (metatarsalgia) is pain under the front of the foot, often burning or stabbing, and several different problems can cause it. Roomy, cushioned shoes, soft insoles or pads and easing off what hurts are the usual first steps. A podiatrist can work out the cause if it doesn't settle.GuideBall-of-foot pain (metatarsalgia)Ball-of-foot pain, or metatarsalgia, is pain on the sole of the foot near the toes. It's a symptom with several possible causes, often extra pressure on the forefoot. Roomier, low-heeled shoes, calf stretching and easing off what aggravates it can help, and a podiatrist can look for the cause.GuideMorton's neuromaMorton's neuroma is a painful thickening of a nerve between the toes in the ball of the foot, often felt as burning or like walking on a pebble. It isn't a cancer. Roomy, low-heeled shoes and easing aggravating activities are the usual first steps, with injection or surgery if they don't help.GuideBunionsA bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, with the toe leaning towards the others. Many people have no pain. Wide, low-heeled shoes, pads and simple pain relief can ease symptoms, and a podiatrist can advise on insoles, spacers or splints.GuideStiff big toe (hallux rigidus)Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the big toe joint, causing pain, stiffness and less movement, often with a bony lump on top of the joint. Supportive footwear and activity changes are the usual first steps, and your GP or podiatrist can discuss other options if it isn't settling.