There are many causes of big toe pain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, toe pain, including big toe pain, can be caused by repetitive strain injuries, trauma during athletic events or ill-fitting shoes. Big toe pain can also be caused by certain medical conditions. The NIH states that most toe problems can be treated using conservative care methods, although surgery may be necessary in rare cases.
Turf Toe
Turf toe can cause pain in the big toe. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, or ACFAS, turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joints. The most common cause of turf toe are sports injuries that involve excessive upward bending of the big toe joint. The condition also occurs when the big toe is jammed or when the big toe is unable to tolerate the repetitive forces associated with running or jumping. Turf toe is most commonly seen in athletes participating in football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and dance and is especially common in athletes who play on artificial turf. Common signs and symptoms associated with turf toe include big toe pain, swelling in the affected area and reduced big toe joint active range of motion. The ACFAS notes that turf toe-related symptoms arise slowly and worsen over time.
Broken Toe
A broken toe can cause big toe pain. The Mayo Clinic website states that broken toes, including fractures of the big toe, are common injuries. The most common causes of a broken or fractured toe are blunt-force trauma, such as when something is dropped on the toe or when a person stubs her toe. According to the Mayo Clinic website, taping the broken toe to a neighboring toe will immobilize the injured digit and allow it to heal. However, severe fractures--especially fractures of the big toe--may require a cast to ensure proper healing. Common signs and symptoms associated with a broken toe include pain, swelling and discoloration in the affected area and pain with ambulation or walking. The Mayo Clinic website states that most broken toes heal in about four to six weeks. Possible complications associated with a broken toe include infection and an increased risk for osteoarthritis in the involved toe later in life.
Sesamoid Injuries
Sesamoid injuries can cause big toe pain. According to the ACFAS, a sesamoid is a bone embedded in a tendon. Sesamoid bones are located in several joints throughout the body. There are two pea-shaped sesamoid bones in the foot, and they are located in the ball of the foot, underneath the big toe joint. Two of the most common sesamoid injuries in the big toe are sesamoid fractures and sesamoiditis. The ACFAS states that sesamoid fractures can be caused by trauma or repetitive stress. Trauma-induced sesamoid fractures cause immediate pain and swelling in the affected area. Sesamoid fractures caused by overuse lead to chronic pain in the ball of the foot that comes and goes and is made worse with activity. Sesamoiditis is an overuse injury characterized by chronic inflammation of the sesamoid bones and their surrounding tendons. The pain associated with sesamoiditis is often dull and longstanding.
