1. Most Toe Pain Can be Treated at Home
If you have toe pain, you aren't alone. Joint pain in the toes is a common problem, and may be caused by shoes that do not fit properly, arches that are too high or too low, bunions, arthritis or injury. While relieving big toe joint pain can be quite difficult, particularly if you have a condition such as arthritis or hammertoes, it is not impossible and in most cases can be treated at home.
2. Shoes for Sweet Relief
It may seem obvious, but shoes play a large role in toe pain. Avoid shoes that crowd the toes or have accentuated arches, such as flat sandals and high heels. Purchase lightweight shoes which offer plenty of arch support. As a general rule, you should purchase shoes in the afternoon when feet swell to their largest, and purchase shoes a half size larger than you normally buy. Often you can relieve toe pain by getting a pair of specially made orthotics. While you must see a podiatrist to design your orthotics and they are often quite expensive, these custom shoes can put an end to chronic pain.
3. Get Things Moving
You may look silly doing it, but toe exercises are a great way to increase range of motion and relieve pain. Place a large can of soup in a sock and tie a knot in the top. Place the sock between your big toe and second toe, and grip the sock firmly. Rest your heel on a stool or chair and lift and lower the can slowly using only your toes. Perform 5 to 20 lifts, depending on your comfort level, and do these exercises at least once a day.
4. Rub for Relief
A few massage techniques can help you to relieve big toe joint pain. Apply circular motions to the arch of the foot, starting soft and working deeper as you warm up. Once warm, stretch your big toe up as far as you can with one hand as you use your thumb to massage deeply from the upper arch, around the base of the toe joint and up the toe. Grip your big toe firmly from base to tip with one hand while holding the base of the joint with the opposite hand. Move the entire toe in slow, gentle circles. Use these techniques whenever needed.
5. Use Heat and Ice to Relieve Pain
Using ice or heat packs can help to relieve big toe joint pain; however, it is important to know when to use heat and when to use cold. If you experience swelling, use ice to help reduce inflammation and push toxins away. Apply ice up to four times daily for 10 to 15 minutes. If you experience stiffness and ache, use heat to increase blood circulation and relieve pain. Again, use heat up to four times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
