What causes pain at the base of the little toe when pressed?
Feb 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Pain when pressing at the base of the little toe may be caused by ill-fitting shoes, excessive exercise, trauma, ingrown toenail, metatarsalgia, etc., and can be improved according to different situations. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Choose properly sized, comfortable shoes, avoid wearing high heels or tight footwear, and opt for shoes with a wide, soft toe box whenever possible.
Pain when pressing on the base of the little toe may be caused by ill-fitting shoes, excessive exercise, trauma, paronychia, or metatarsalgia. Improvements can be made according to the specific cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician.
1. Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight, too small, or have narrow toe boxes can compress the base of the little toe. Prolonged friction and pressure may lead to localized pain. It is advisable to choose properly sized, comfortable footwear, avoid wearing high heels or overly tight shoes, and opt for shoes with wide, soft toe areas—such as athletic shoes—to reduce pressure on the base of the little toe.
2. Excessive exercise: Prolonged walking, running, or other strenuous physical activities may place excessive stress on the base of the little toe, leading to muscle fatigue or ligament injury, resulting in tenderness upon pressure. It is important to moderately reduce activity levels and avoid overexertion. After exercise, perform foot-relaxation techniques such as soaking the feet or massage to promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle fatigue.
3. Trauma: Injury to the base of the little toe from impacts or crush injuries may result in local soft tissue damage, swelling, and pain. Within the first 72 hours after injury, apply cold compresses for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily, to reduce swelling and pain. After 72 hours, switch to heat application to enhance blood circulation and accelerate tissue healing.
4. Paronychia: This condition often results from improper nail trimming or ingrown toenails, leading to infection of the skin around the nail, known as paronychia. The base of the little toe may also be affected, presenting with redness, swelling, and pain that worsens upon pressure. Under a doctor's guidance, topical or oral medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or amoxicillin capsules may be used to alleviate symptoms.
5. Metatarsalgia: Often caused by prolonged standing or walking, collapse of the transverse foot arch, and excessive loading on the metatarsal heads, this condition leads to pain in the metatarsal area. The metatarsal head corresponding to the base of the little toe may also become painful. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, or ibuprofen tablets to relieve discomfort.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is essential. Avoid overexertion and intense physical activity to prevent bodily discomfort. It is recommended to engage in moderate exercises such as walking or jogging based on individual conditions, which can help strengthen immunity and support recovery.
