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Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies For Swollen Toe
By
Patricia | June 5, 2009
I have sore big toe, I am sure it is not an ingrown toenail or may be infected. Can you suggest some natural treatment?
The size of our toes can sometimes make us feel that they are an insignificant part of the body, but toes are so vital for walking and balancing that only if something happens to the toe do we really understand its importance. A swollen toe can be could result from anything, starting from infections to injuries. Usually, it is the big toe (hallux) that gets infected the most, while it is the smallest toe or the pinky (the fifth toe) that tends to get injured the most.
In this article, we will discuss what causes a swollen toe, the common symptoms that are associated with a swollen toe, as well as treatment and home remedy options.
What causes a swollen toe?
A swollen toe can be due to a number of reasons; some of these reasons are listed below.
- Injury to the toe such as stubbing it or accidental hurting it.
- Infection of the toe: Fungal infections are the most likely, especially if shoes are worn most of the time. This is because a close, moist environment is most suited for fungal growth.
- Bunions: Bunions are a disorder of the large or big toe. In this case, the big toe bends towards the other toes, resulting in an abnormal angulation of the large toe. This condition sometimes results in what looks like a swelling. However, this is usually not a swelling, and any pain and discomfort associated with this is due to the alteration of how weight is distributed in the foot.
- Gout: One of the first signs of gout or arthritis is a swelling of the big toe. This usually results in redness as well as swelling of the large toe. Gout is a very painful type of arthritis caused due to increased production of uric acid that becomes difficult to excrete successfully.
- Higher salt intake than required can also cause toe swelling therefore it is advisable to limit salt intake until swelling reduces.
Symptoms:
Some of the symptoms associated with as swollen toe are
- Swelling
- Heat in the swollen area
- Redness
- Pain or discomfort
- Blister formation, in some cases
- Pus or discoloration in case of an infection
- Tenderness or sore toes
If you see pus with the swelling or if there is bleeding or if the condition is extremely painful, it is essential to check with a doctor immediately.
Treatment and Home Remedies:
In most cases, simply resting the toe is sufficient treatment. Listed below are some additional treatment options for a swollen toe.
- Swollen toe due to injuries can be treated by cleaning out the wound or removing any particle that has caused the injury in the first place. Washing the area with a disinfectant can help provide relief from the pain.
- If the swelling is due to an allergic reaction to a bee sting or something else, antihistamines are usually administered. However, if the allergic reaction is localized to the big toe, simply giving it time to heal is usually sufficient.
- Swelling caused by bunions is usually treated by using special shoes with adequate padding and shielding or lager shoes. While surgery is the only cure for this condition, rest and ice application can help provide a great deal of relief.
- Antibiotics and anti-fungal medication is administered if the swelling is due to a bacterial or fungal infection.
- Gout is usually treated with NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids. Exercise and a healthy diet are also key to managing gout.
- 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
- 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
Tips:
- Avoid use of ill-fitting shoes and standing for long period of time.
- 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.
A swollen toe can cause more discomfort than pain, and in most cases, it will go away on its own. However if the swelling persists or gets worsens, it is necessary to get it checked with a health care provider. In pregnancy, it is essential to get medication approved before using it even in the case of something as benign as a swollen toe. A bit of rest and keeping the toe clean will go a long way to help the toe heal faster.