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What causes pain at the base of the toenail?

Sep 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, pain at the base of the toenail may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, sports injuries, athlete's foot, paronychia, or bunion (hallux valgus) inflammation. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, choose comfortable and breathable footwear, avoid prolonged walking or strenuous exercise, maintain adequate rest, and reduce pressure on the toes, which can help alleviate pain and promote overall health.

In general, pain at the base of the toenail may be caused by wearing improper footwear, sports injuries, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), paronychia, or hallux bursitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Improper Footwear

Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose may exert pressure or cause friction on the toenails, leading to pain at the base of the toenail. It is important to choose shoes with appropriate size and width, ensuring sufficient space for toe movement, which can help alleviate discomfort.

2. Sports Injuries

Intense physical activity or a sudden increase in exercise intensity may subject the base of the toenail to significant impact, potentially causing minor fractures or soft tissue damage, resulting in pain. Adequate rest, reducing physical activity, and avoiding repeated trauma are recommended.

3. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection commonly affecting the skin between the toes and the toenails. Fungal infections may lead to pain at the base of the toenail, often accompanied by symptoms such as local itching and peeling. Under medical supervision, treatments may include miconazole nitrate cream, terbinafine hydrochloride cream, or rivanol solution.

4. Paronychia

Paronychia is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin folds surrounding the nail, usually caused by bacterial infection. The inflammation may cause pain at the base of the toenail, along with symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Treatment may include medications such as erythromycin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or cefradine capsules, as directed by a physician.

5. Hallux Bursitis

Hallux bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa on the inner side of the big toe, often due to hallux valgus or prolonged wearing of high heels. This inflammation may result in pain at the base of the toenail, typically accompanied by localized redness, swelling, and pain. Under medical guidance, treatment options may include celecoxib capsules, meloxicam tablets, or flurbiprofen gel patches.

To help relieve pain and promote overall foot health, it is advisable to wear comfortable, breathable footwear, avoid prolonged walking or intense physical activity, ensure adequate rest, and minimize pressure on the toes.

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