Tennis toe is a painful condition that affects the toenail after repeated impact on the front of the shoe. It happens in sports like tennis that involve stops, pivots, or running. The injury causes bleeding under the toenail, causing a red or black discoloration. This trapped blood is called a subungual hematoma, which means a collection of blood beneath the nail. The big toe is most often involved. Symptoms include pressure, throbbing pain, and tenderness in the toe. Eventually, the nail thickens, loosens, or falls off as a new one grows in. A podiatrist can examine the toe, relieve pressure, and check for nail damage or infection. Imaging helps to rule out deeper injury. If you have discoloration in the toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of BayCity Associates in Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Erie, PA and Meadville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.