Swollen Toe

About the Symptom

This describes swelling in the toe. It can involve any of the toes, and may be associated with pain.

Possible Causes

Generally, Swollen toe can be related to:

• Ingrown Toenail

  A condition where the corner of a toenail curves and grows into the skin, causing pain and swelling. Risk factors include obesity, small-sized shoes, and cutting the nails incorrectly.

• Hallux Valgus

  Hallux valgus, or a bunion, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe when the big toe pushes against the next toe. Tight shoes, foot stress, and arthritis are common causes. It can lead to deformity.

• Hair Tourniquet

  A hair tourniquet happens when a hair strand wraps around a body part, cutting off circulation. It can damage nerves, skin tissue, and the function of the affected body part. The average age of diagnosis is five months. The average age that finger hair tourniquets occur is 3 weeks old. The average age that toe hair tourniquets occur is 4 months old. When genitals are involved in hair tourniquets, the average age of diagnosis is 2 years old. There may be redness or swelling on a finger, toe or another body part. The area may be tender and cause the baby pain and discomfort.

• Gout / Pseudogout
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Paronychia
• Hyperuricemia
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Toxic Erythema of Chemotherapy

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Swollen toe may be related to these serious diseases:

• Cellulitis / Erysipelas

  A bacterial skin infection, cellulitis occurs when bacteria invade the skin through a tear, which can be caused by insect bites, wounds, or scratching. People with diabetes and weakened immune systems have a higher risk.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Are your toes swollen?
• When did you first notice your swollen toes?
• How often do you experience swollen toes?
• How are your swollen toes now?

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