Fourteen of the 26 bones of your feet are found in your toes. Your toes are responsible for movement and balance as you run or walk on a treadmill and the simple act of treadmill use can lead to toe injury and pain. Using a treadmill can also aggravate pre-existing toe conditions. If you experience persistent toe pain with treadmill use, discontinue use and contact your physician.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus is a condition normally seen in adults between 30 and 60 years of age, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hallux rigidus creates a stiff big toe as the result of arthritis to the metarsophalangeal joint -- the joint at the base of your big toe. This occurs as the result of cartilage damage from injury or wear and tear. As your press down on the your toes while running or walking on a treadmill, you are likely to experience pain. Stiffness and a bump on the top of your big toe are also indicators of hallux rigidus.
Turf Toe
Turf toe gets its name because it frequently occurs in individuals who play sports on artificial surfaces. Turf toe is the upward bending of your big toe, which forces a majority of your body weight onto your toe. Tripping while using a treadmill can lead to this abnormal positioning of your big toe. When the toe bends upward, you might experience ligament or bone damage. Symptoms of this condition include swelling, pain and tenderness at the base of your big toe. Turf toe can be prevented by wearing a stiff-soled shoe while on a treadmill.
Corns
Corns can be the result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Squeezing your foot into an ill-fitting shoe can cause increased pressure and friction on your skin. This leads to a thickening of your skin and irritation of the soft tissue underneath your skin. A corn can be hard if it is on the top of your toes. A soft corn can develop on the sides of your toes and resemble open sores. Corns can be caused by using a treadmill while wearing ill-fitting shoes. Wearing shoes that fit correctly and have adequate room for your toes can prevent corns.
Toe Fractures
You can experience a toe fracture while using a treadmill. Tripping or stubbing your toes can lead to a traumatic fracture. If this happens, you will likely be able to recall the exact point at which your injury occurred. You might also hear a popping or breaking sound. Your toe may bruise or become swollen. Your toe may also appear crooked or abnormal. Toe fractures should always be examined by a doctor. Failure to do so can result in chronic pain, arthritis, deformity and failure of the fracture to heal, which can lead to surgery.
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