Toe Pain

Damian45
Damian45 Posts: 85 Member
edited November 29 in Fitness and Exercise
This is really more for a doctor but I'm certain there's plenty of experience in this room. The toes on my left foot are hurting a lot now that I'm walking. It's right along the joint where the toes meet the foot so I know it's because of them bending back as I take a step. Does anybody know if this can be solved with a good pair of walking shoes, or do I just need to endure it until it (hopefully) goes away?

Replies

  • DoubleUbea
    DoubleUbea Posts: 1,115 Member
    You might need new sneakers, if you lost some weight your foot/shoe might need to be resized. If you are new to walking your foot might not be used to the added exercise. Ask your doctor, he might recommend a podiatrist.
    Is it the top of the foot or the bottom?
  • emmamcgarity
    emmamcgarity Posts: 1,594 Member
    I second the recommendation to be fitted for shoes at a running store. We each have different fairs and different types of feet. Walking shoes generally have a bigger toe box than running shoes. Don’t feel pressured to buy what they recommend if it’s not in your budget. But it’s a very informative process. After being properly fitted several years back (and purchasing the shoes), I feel more confident overall when shopping for athletic shoes.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Another who thinks it is probably your shoes, but I would also recommend exercises and stretches. Easy ones are to stand in either bare or stocking feet, raise up on the balls of your feet, then slowly rock back to where you are on your heels, then rock forward to the toes again. Picking up small objects like marbles with your toes will help too.
  • ruffneckred
    ruffneckred Posts: 69 Member
    Interesting topic, I crave to learn more about feet and shoes. My current regime is treadmill & elliptical conditioning. My wife has a strong opinion about ASICS shoes, I think it came from a physical therapist friend. So that is what we wear. My shoe heel are getting pretty worn inside, and I do have an ongoing issue with some heel blisters. I write it off as part of the process. I suspect I am pre diabetic or diabetic so foot issues have some dire consequences. I also google "why does it feel like a sock is bunched up under but inside my foot" results was Morton's Neuroma (sp) , the prognosis is good if caught early, but the deviant that I am has me fighting the issue for years so surgury is likely and I ain't got time for that, or money. I am fostering, but mostly just hoping, that the low carb, high fat lifestyle helps. It is interesting to note that for quite a few years I had a job that had me standing, and quite often pushing down on a device with significant force. I have often wondered if because me strength was high enough to life my weight if my toes were curling to try and hold me down. I did read a bit about how you can get carpel tunnel in your foot, maybe called tarsal tunnel, I don't recall exactly. Great subject thanks for bringing it up, have a great day.
  • OldAssDude
    OldAssDude Posts: 1,436 Member
    I recommend a good pair of neutral, flexible running shoes with just enough cushion for the surface you will be using them on.

    The reasons are because most running shoes are good for walking and will last longer. Also neutral shoes allow your feet to do the work and do not alter your natural movement.

    As your feet and legs become stronger the pain will go away. Just don't push it to the point of injury.
  • maureenkhilde
    maureenkhilde Posts: 849 Member
    ruffneckred wrote: »
    Interesting topic, I crave to learn more about feet and shoes. My current regime is treadmill & elliptical conditioning. My wife has a strong opinion about ASICS shoes, I think it came from a physical therapist friend. So that is what we wear. My shoe heel are getting pretty worn inside, and I do have an ongoing issue with some heel blisters. I write it off as part of the process. I suspect I am pre diabetic or diabetic so foot issues have some dire consequences. I also google "why does it feel like a sock is bunched up under but inside my foot" results was Morton's Neuroma (sp) , the prognosis is good if caught early, but the deviant that I am has me fighting the issue for years so surgury is likely and I ain't got time for that, or money. I am fostering, but mostly just hoping, that the low carb, high fat lifestyle helps. It is interesting to note that for quite a few years I had a job that had me standing, and quite often pushing down on a device with significant force. I have often wondered if because me strength was high enough to life my weight if my toes were curling to try and hold me down. I did read a bit about how you can get carpel tunnel in your foot, maybe called tarsal tunnel, I don't recall exactly. Great subject thanks for bringing it up, have a great day.

    I am a diabetic, and have had great luck with ASICS shoes, but also use a nice Gel heel pad/cushion in them. You might want to try a gel cushion insole to add to shoe. It really helped with my the plantar fascilitis issues I was starting to have.
  • Akstorm49
    Akstorm49 Posts: 1 Member
    First off, I ain't a doctor so this is completely anecdotal. Second, if the pain persists beyond a point of tolerance or time, see a doctor.
    I have completely flat feet so I deal with this type of stuff a lot. So far everyone has put good advice in so here's my to bits to add/support.
    1. Get well fitted shoes. Have someone help you fit your shoes properly. Not just your walking shoes either. All of your footware should be well fitted.
    2. Clip your toe nails. Sounds stupid but it's given me problems in the past
    3. Look at getting insoles. Go to a place that has a foot scanner and get the insoles it recommends. You can also go to a doctor for those if money is not an issue.
    4. Foot stretches and exercises. It's 2018 and there's an exercise and stretch for every part of your body including your feet and toes.
    5. Time. Sucks to say, but if this is a new habit for you, you're body is not going to be happy changing conforming to it. You'll get over it eventually.
    Hope this helps.
  • ACDodd
    ACDodd Posts: 129 Member
    The most common place to hurt is the left big toe when you have a gout flare up.
    Just sayin.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Radical advice here. Switch to shoes with no raised heel - both for exercise and your everyday shoes. Almost all shoes have a raised heel, which bends the toe joints, and puts more weight on the forefoot. Pick any comfortable pair of "zero heel" shoes (skateboard shoes, Vans, Altras, etc). You're unlikely to find them at running stores (except maybe Altras).

    Also when you sit, don't tuck your feet under your chair, since it bends the toes, which can cause joint strain like you describe.
    :+1:
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