I have sore big toe, I am sure it is not an ingrown toenail or may be infected. Can you suggest some natural treatment?
Swollen Toes
Human beings are two legged four limbed animals. We use our hands for complex tasks that set us apart from other animals. The feet of human beings are designed to carry the entire weight of the body. The feet are designed to enable walking and running. For this purpose, the sole of the foot is soft and has a shock absorption capacity. The skin on the sole of the foot, however, is tough so that the individual can walk on rough ground. People who use footwear are likely to have softer feet than those who do not do so on a regular basis. In modern times, most people use footwear wherever they go, even in the house.
The human body has 10 toes with 5 toes on each foot. The toes are arranged in such a way that the inner toe of each foot is the largest. The smallest toe is on the outside. Just as the thumb is much wider than other fingers, the big toe tends to be wider than other toes of the body. The feet and toes are subjected to a great amount of stress and are vulnerable to a lot of problems like swelling. Swollen toes and feet are not uncommon and big toe swelling and pain is particularly common, but there could be a variety of possible causes, most being relatively minor.
Toe Swelling
Swelling in the human body is a sign of one of a few problems. Swelling can be a result of a physical injury that has damaged tissues of an area. This is a common problem when one is in a physical confrontation. Swelling can be the result of edema. Edema is a condition where fluid builds up in the body. When fluid builds up in certain parts of the body, there is a swelling of the tissues. Swelling may also be the result of some localized infection that is causing an inflammation to occur in the affected area. Finally, swelling may also be the result of an allergic reaction. Swelling causes discomfort to the individual. Joints tend to be inefficient if there is swelling within them. Swelling causes the skin to bulge and this can be uncomfortable for the individual as well.
Swollen Toe Infection Symptoms
When it comes to a swollen toe, the problem is either associated with an injury, an infection or with a problem known as a bunion. Most swollen toe problems are associated with the big toe, with the outermost small toe being the other toe that is usually affected. The outer small toe is more susceptible to injury than other problems that affect the big toe regularly. Toe infections are common and tend to affect the big toe a lot. Toe infection symptoms include toe swelling, pus, bleeding, sharp pain, tenderness and discoloration of the skin and nail. Some toe infections cause the nails to degenerate and grow awkwardly. This often makes the toes appear disgusting.
In modern times, the use of closed footwear has become increasingly popular. Feet that are kept in shoes and socks for hours on end can become infected with bacteria or fungus. This is the case when proper cleaning of the feet does not take place. Fungus is particularly suited to warm humid locations where ventilation is poor. This is why fungal infections tend to affect the feet of human beings. Another condition that causes or exacerbates the condition of foot infection is the growth of the large toe nail. Many individuals suffer from a problem known as ingrown toe nail. Ingrown toe nail refers to a situation where the nail grows down towards the ground rather than out towards the front of the feet. When this happens, the skin and tissue of the toe become exposed to the elements. Most individuals with ingrown toe nail suffer from discomfort and raw skin. This raw skin is an easy prey for opportunistic infections. Big toe swelling is usually accompanied by some general discomfort. Particularly sharp pain tends to be felt if the toe is touched or pressed in and around the area that is affected by the swelling.
An ingrown toe nail may be diagnosed by the individual using a nail cutter. If the nail is particularly bent and visibly pointing into the skin then it is likely that there is an ingrown toe nail problem. There is also a risk of fungal infections like toenail fungus or athlete’s foot setting in causing a seemingly swollen toe nail or rather a thickening of the toe nail.
Swollen Toes Causes Symptoms
A condition that causes swollen toe joints is known as a bunion. A bunion occurs when the toe joint develops a spur that grows towards the inner side of the foot. The toe begins to bend so that it points towards other toes in the foot. This can cause severe pain to the individual, especially while walking. This problem is usually sorted out using surgery or by applying a physical block to the toe which forces it to straighten out over a period of time.
Swollen toes and feet are a result of fluid retention. If the entire foot is swollen, then it is likely that the body is retaining fluid for some underlying reason. Fluid retention is associated with improper liver and kidney function, improper heart beat and a poor lifestyle. Fluid retention is a sign that the individual should visit a doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed and rectified. Fluid retention causes swollen toes and ankles which makes it difficult for the individual to wear tight fitting footwear. Soreness and difficulty in walking are other side effects of the same condition.
From the conditions described above it can be understood that swelling in the toes can be associated with many different medical conditions. An individual should therefore visit a doctor for a consultation to understand the underlying cause of the problem. In some cases, the condition may have nothing to do with the feet. This is especially true of fluid retention problems where the culprit may be far away from the affected part of the body. Massage therapy is sometimes used to ease swelling on the toes and feet. Depending on the understanding of the condition, the doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Diuretic medication is also used to promote kidney function so that excess fluid is dumped out of the body. Patients with fluid retention swelling are often told to consume more water and urinate regularly. This also boosts kidney function and can help alleviate the symptoms of the condition.
The symptoms of toe swelling can be mild to moderate in nature. You need to consider your treatment options depending on the intensity of pain and discomfort caused by the swollen toe. A swollen toe is caused due to various reasons such as accumulation of fluid around the tissues or edema, infection or blood clot. Gout is also another possibility that leads to a swelling. Gout is a type of disorder that causes uric acid build up leading to the formation of sharp crystals around the joints which can cause pain and swelling. Diabetes, allergy and toe injuries can also cause infection and swelling. Side effects of medicines, kidney and liver disorders, and muscle injury can also cause toe swelling. Toe swelling is also related to serious disorders such as heart failure, arthritis and nerve or circulatory dysfunction. Such causes require medical attention.
Home remedies are best advisable for mild to moderate conditions while it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner to resolve painful conditions. Soaking the toe in warm water with Epsom salts is a tried and tested remedy to reduce infection. Apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton ball to eliminate any infection and wrap the toe with medical adhesive or thin cotton bands. This method is known to reduce the swelling and eliminate infection, if any. Place the swollen toe over a pillow while sleeping to reduce chances of swelling. Putting feet up while sitting also helps circulate blood flow while avoiding excessive pressure on the toes. Applying an ice pack over the swollen area can also reduce swelling. An herbal remedy or paste comprising of a mix of turmeric and red sandalwood is known to reduce infection and minimize swelling
Higher salt intake than required can also cause toe swelling therefore it is advisable to limit salt intake until swelling reduces. Avoid use of ill fitting shoes and standing for long period of time. Stretching the toes, legs and walking short distances to break prolonged periods of sitting or standing can reduce chances of swelling. Drink plenty of water and exercise moderately to avoid onset of disorders that cause swelling. It is important to note that obesity or excessive weight gain can also cause swelling and it is advisable to maintain normal weight to minimize chances of toe or feet swelling. Walking is an ideal exercise to increase muscle activity and break long periods of standing or sitting. It is also advisable to consider the possibility of any medications that may be causing the swelling. Review intake of such medications to avoid painful circumstances.
