Swollen, red and painful toes: causes, symptoms and solutions

A red, painful toe is a sign of inflammation or even infection. It's usually accompanied by stabbing pain and swelling. If the symptoms are similar, the causes can be numerous: panariasis, nail ingrowth, gout, corns and calluses, etc. In the event of inflammatory manifestations, an examination by a health professional is strongly recommended, in order to diagnose, treat and prevent the risk of recurrence. For patients suffering from a swollen toe, treatment generally involves medication, adapted footwear and/or custom-made foot orthotics. Podexpert takes stock.

What causes a red, painful toe?

Toe panic

Panicitis is caused by the infection of an open wound by bacteria.

There are many possible causes:

• A poorly performed pedicure;
• Skin peeling due to shock or trauma;
• A foreign body under the nail;
• A sting;
• Wearing shoes that are too tight around the toes.

A gout attack

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the blood. In reaction to this, crystals form and settle on the joints.

It can have several causes:

• Genetic predisposition;
• A diet too rich in purines;
• Excessive alcohol consumption;
• A chronic disease;
• Excess weight;
• High exposure to stress;
• Taking diuretics, antihypertensives or anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Corns or calluses on the big toe

Corns, calluses and calluses are mainly caused by friction or pressure of the foot against the wall of the shoe. Poor footing can also be the cause.

The elderly, athletes and people with deformed feet (hallux valgus, claw toes, fractures, etc.) are most at risk.

An ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail is a common condition most often caused by :

• Genetic predisposition: natural nail and forefoot shapes;
• Poor nail trimming;
• Fungus;
• Unsuitable footwear;
• Certain pathologies such as diabetes.

The symptoms

Toe panic

Panicitis of the toe causes a stabbing pain associated with a ball of pus.

Symptoms vary according to the degree of damage:

• Inflammatory phase: pain to the touch, reddening of the skin, heat around the infected area, swelling of the toe;
• Colonization" phase: identical but markedly accentuated manifestations, pulsatile pain, pus at the nail periphery;
• Infection phase: infection spreads to the rest of the foot.

A gout attack

Gout is manifested by :

• Intense pain in the toe joint;
• A hot, swollen joint that is extremely painful to the touch.
• Edematous skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Gout generally affects the first metatarsal. The knee and ankle are sometimes affected, but this is less common.

Corns or calluses on the big toe

Corns and calluses cause a thickening of the skin, generally localized at the :

• From the pulp of the big toe;
• From the outer edge of the big toe;
• Friction between the first and second toes.

This benign condition is often accompanied by discomfort when walking.

An ingrown toenail

The symptoms of ingrown toenails differ depending on the stage of development:

• Stage 1: Discomfort when walking barefoot, pain when putting on shoes;
• Stage 2: pulsatile pain ;
• Stage 3: redness, severe pain, local oedema;
• Stage 4: presence of a small, extremely painful swelling above the ingrown toenail, frequent bleeding.

How can I relieve a red, painful toe?

Relieving an inflamed toe often requires the intervention of a chiropodist. This health professional, trained in podiatric problems, is able to diagnose the problem and guide the patient towards the most appropriate solution: custom-made orthopedic insoles, appropriate footwear, etc.

For panariasis

In the inflammatory stage, management of non-abscessed panariasis includes:

• Antiseptic foot baths;
• Taking analgesics;
• Prescribing antibiotics for the most fragile patients;

If there is no improvement within 48 hours, surgery is quickly scheduled to excise the infected area.

For a gout attack

Medical management combines temporary prescription of medication and hygienic and dietary measures:

• Rest and apply cold to the affected joint;
• Prescription drugs ;
• Adapted lifestyle: weight loss if necessary, physical activity, balanced diet in particular.

For corns and calluses

Corns, calluses and calluses require the intervention of a podiatrist. This health professional begins by removing the thickened areas of skin, before guiding the patient towards solutions adapted to the problem. To limit the risk of recurrence, the podiatrist can advise on footwear: wear shoes with a wide forefoot, avoid high heels, etc.

By correcting the foot's contact with the ground (forefoot, heels, arch, etc.), made-to-measure orthotics act on the foot's biomechanics and also relieve areas of friction.

For ingrown toenails

Once again, ingrown toenails require specialist medical attention. Podiatrists can treat this condition at any stage. The procedure involves gently removing the ingrown toenail with a suitable instrument. Inflammation and pain usually disappear rapidly.

Discover our shoes for swollen feet

What footwear is best for a red, painful toe?

An affected toe requires adapted footwear to relieve pain and/or prevent the risk of recurrence.

Choose shoes with the following features:

• A wide forefoot to reduce pressure on the painful area;
• Good support to prevent the shoe from "banging" on the ball of the foot (e.g. lace or Velcro fastening, arch support, heel counter);
• Made from soft, breathable materials, leather or stretch textiles to limit pressure and maceration;
• Removable insoles that can be easily replaced with custom-made orthopedic insoles with no loss of interior volume.

We answer your questions

How do you treat a red, painful toe?

To treat an inflamed toe, you need to know the cause of the symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional (doctor or chiropodist) as soon as possible, who will examine your foot. The appropriate treatment will be decided on the basis of the diagnosis.

Why is my toe red?

Redness is synonymous with inflammation. There are many possible causes: nail ingrowth, corns, gout, morton neuroma, impaired blood circulation, etc. In all cases, it is advisable to consult a health professional to prevent any complications.

How to soothe an inflamed toe?

Mild inflammation can be soothed with home remedies such as footbaths and massage. Severe inflammation may require medication or even surgery.

How do you know if you have a toe infection?

Symptoms of infection include pain, redness, swelling and swelling of the skin. A medical examination can confirm the diagnosis, before you are referred for appropriate treatment.

Author : Philippe Vesin - Pedorthist