Seek Relief for Persistent Toe Pain

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

ROCHESTER, Minn. — If your big toe is a big pain, a visit to the doctor may be in order.

The large joint at the base of the big toe plays a big role in every step you take. As the joint bends, it's the last point from which you propel yourself forward.

This movement means the joint is a prime location to give way to wear and tear, according to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. In addition to pain, other signs and symptoms of a problem include:

A visible bump near the base of your big toe. Decreased movement or range of motion in the big toe. Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly in the toe area.

Your doctor can determine the joint's condition with an X-ray. Arthritis is among the most common reasons for toe pain. When the condition is addressed early, conservative treatments such as different shoes or shoe inserts can help relieve pain. If there's more advanced joint degeneration in the toe, surgical treatments may be considered.

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About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of "the needs of the patient come first." More than 3,700 physicians, scientists and researchers and 50,100 allied health staff work at Mayo Clinic, which has sites in Rochester, Minn; Jacksonville, Fla; and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. and community based providers in more than 70 locations in Southern Minn., Western Wis. and Northeast Iowa. These locations treat more than half a million people each year. To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. For information about research and education, visit www.mayo.edu. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.