Why do my toes hurt in a stabbing pain intermittently, and what should I do?
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, intermittent sharp pain in the toes may be caused by factors such as poorly fitting shoes, trauma, lumbar disc herniation, gout, or polyneuropathy, and appropriate management depends on the specific situation. When experiencing toe pain, it is recommended to rest adequately and avoid prolonged standing or walking to prevent worsening of the pain.
Generally, intermittent sharp, needle-like pain in the toes may be caused by factors such as ill-fitting shoes, trauma, lumbar disc herniation, gout, or multiple peripheral neuritis, and the appropriate management depends on the specific cause.
1. Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight, too small, or have narrow toe boxes can compress the toes. Prolonged compression can restrict local blood circulation and compress nerves, resulting in sharp, needle-like pain. It is recommended to switch to properly fitting shoes that provide sufficient space for the toes to spread.
2. Trauma: Local tissue damage may occur after injuries such as bumps, crush injuries, or puncture wounds from sharp objects. Abnormal nerve discharges during the nerve fiber repair process may cause sharp, needle-like pain. After injury, it is advised to clean the wound with normal saline and apply iodophor for disinfection to prevent infection.
3. Lumbar disc herniation: Degeneration or injury of the lumbar intervertebral discs may cause the nucleus pulposus to protrude and compress surrounding nerve roots. When the nerve roots innervating the toes are compressed, sharp, needle-like pain in the toes may occur. Affected individuals are advised to rest in bed as much as possible, reduce strain on the lower back, and wear a lumbar support belt for additional support.
4. Gout: Gout is a condition caused by disturbances in uric acid metabolism, leading to deposition of urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. When urate crystals deposit around the toe joints, they can irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, triggering an inflammatory response and causing severe sharp, needle-like pain. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ibuprofen tablets or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets to relieve pain.
5. Multiple peripheral neuritis: Multiple peripheral neuritis can cause abnormal sensory function in the nerve endings, leading to sharp, needle-like sensations, burning feelings, or numbness in the toes. It is advised to follow medical instructions and use medications such as hydrocortisone tablets and vitamin B1 tablets for treatment.
When experiencing toe pain, it is important to rest adequately and avoid prolonged standing or walking to prevent exacerbation of the pain. If the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or numbness, prompt medical attention should be sought.
