What causes pain when touching the side of the big toe?

Pain beside the big toe when touched is generally caused by improper footwear, overuse, bursitis, paronychia, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Footwear

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can place extra pressure on the soft tissues and bones beside the big toe, leading to local inflammatory responses and pain during walking or standing. It is important to choose properly fitting shoes that allow adequate space for toe movement.

2. Overuse

Extended periods of physical activity or standing may overload the muscles and ligaments around the big toe, causing injury and inflammation, which in turn leads to pain. Reducing foot strain, along with local massage and stretching exercises, can help alleviate symptoms.

3. Bursitis

Bursitis may be related to prolonged friction and pressure. This condition causes increased synovial fluid within the bursa, resulting in local inflammation, swelling, and pain due to continuous irritation. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and warmth. Medications such as indomethacin tablets, naproxen tablets, or Shexiang Jietong plaster may be used as directed by a physician.

4. Paronychia

Paronychia may result from bacterial or fungal infections. When bacteria or fungi invade the skin and tissues surrounding the nail, they trigger an inflammatory response, causing local redness, swelling, and pain, sometimes accompanied by fever and pus formation. Topical treatments such as mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment, or oral medications like amoxicillin capsules, may be prescribed by a doctor to relieve symptoms.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with autoimmune dysfunction or infection. In this condition, the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing inflammation. When joints adjacent to the big toe are affected, patients may experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility. Treatment may include medications such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, or aspirin tablets, as directed by a healthcare provider.

Maintaining clean and dry feet to prevent bacterial growth can help reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, getting adequate rest and avoiding strenuous physical activity may prevent symptom exacerbation.