According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, more than 70 percent of Americans claim they do not exercise because of foot pain. Foot pain may occur for a variety of reasons, including poorly fitted footwear, not enough support from footwear as well as pre-existing conditions such as bunions, calluses and warts. Speak to a podiatrist to determine what is causing your toe pain as well as the right footwear for your feet.
Pre-existing Conditions
If you have a blister, wart, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes or other type of pre-existing condition on your toes, working out may cause additional pain and discomfort. Wearing too tight footwear can aggravate these conditions, as can not allowing your toes to heal from some of these conditions. Use an over-the-counter medication to remove warts. To get rid of calluses, soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then use a pumice stone to smooth rough spots. Wear wide-foot footwear when exercising and use a padded bandage for corns and blisters.
Improper Footwear
Even if you don't have conditions such as bunions or warts, athletic footwear that is too tight or too worn may still cause toe pain. According to REI.com, most athletic footwear lasts up to 500 miles. If you're not one to keep track of how many miles you've accumulated on your shoes, there are signs and symptoms that also let you know it's time to get a new pair of sneakers. Test the cushioning of your shoe by pressing your thumb into the midsole. If the midsole barely moves, the cushioning has worn itself out. Take a look at the traction on the bottom to see whether it looks worn or gauge how your feet feel after you exercise. If your toes or other parts of your feet hurt, it's time to get a new pair.
Improper Technique
How you run, walk or perform other types of exercise also affects your feet and may cause pain in your toes and other parts of your feet. Running on your tiptoes, for example, may interfere with blood circulation, causing your toes to feel numb or in pain. Always land on your middle foot. This will help better distribute your weight and prevent toe pain as well as pain in your knees, muscles and joints.
Other Considerations
Toe pain may also be a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as a strain or sprain, broken or dislocated toe, stress fracture, tumor or an artery disease. Seek medical care if you experience persistent toe pain as well as swelling, a burning feeling on the affected toe or toes, redness or other symptoms.
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