Milford:
203-876-7736
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203-288-4055

Why Do I Have Pain When Curling My Toes?

When searching for a new pair of shoes, it’s crucial to ensure your toes have ample room to wiggle and curl. However, if curling your toes causes pain, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. If you experience this, consulting a foot specialist like Dr. Sanjay Patel at Patel Podiatry is essential.

Potential Causes of Toe Pain

One common cause of pain when curling your toes is extensor tendinitis. If you notice pain along the top of your foot during toe flexing, this condition might be the culprit.

What Is Extensor Tendinitis?

Extensor tendinitis involves inflammation of the extensor tendons, which run along the top of your foot. These tendons connect the muscles on the front of your lower leg to your toes, helping you lift your toes away from the ground with each step. When inflamed, these tendons can cause pain, especially during downward toe flexing, and may result in swelling on the top of your foot.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

To preliminarily check for extensor tendinitis, flex your foot downward and apply light resistance against your toes. Increased pain on the top of your foot suggests possible tendinitis. However, for an accurate diagnosis, a professional evaluation is necessary.

Common Causes of Extensor Tendinitis

  • Improper Footwear: Tight shoes or laces can cause pressure and irritation.
  • Running Hills: The strain of running uphill or downhill can affect the extensor tendons.
  • Constant Friction: Continuous rubbing from tight shoes can lead to tendinitis.
  • Activity Levels: Long periods on your feet, especially on uneven surfaces, increase risk.
  • Calf Muscle Tightness: This places extra strain on the extensor muscles.
  • Abnormal Foot Arches: High or flat arches can contribute to tendon strain.
  • Injuries: Dropping heavy objects on your foot can cause extensor tendinitis.

Extensor Tendinitis Prevention

Preventing extensor tendinitis involves taking proactive steps to maintain foot health:

  • Proper Stretches: Regular stretching can keep the tendons flexible. Focus on stretches that target the calf muscles and the top of the foot to prevent tightness and strain.
  • Proper Exercises: Strengthening exercises can enhance tendon resilience. Include exercises that build strength in the muscles supporting the foot and ankle.
  • Pay Attention to Your Feet: Monitor how your feet feel during and after exercise. If you notice any discomfort, adjust your activity levels accordingly to avoid overuse injuries.
  • Contact Our Doctor: Seek medical advice as soon as symptoms arise. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more severe.

Treatment Options

To alleviate extensor tendinitis, consider these conservative treatments:

  • Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain. Giving your foot time to heal is crucial for recovery.
  • Ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation. Use a towel to protect your skin from direct contact with the ice.
  • Medication: Use NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Shoe Lacing: Adjust lacing to relieve pressure or replace too-tight shoes. Consider tying your knot at the side or leaving out one of the lacing holes over the most painful area.
  • Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises for the extensor muscles and calves can improve muscle strength and flexibility.
  • Orthotics: Provide support and reduce tendon pressure. Orthotic devices can help distribute pressure more evenly across your foot.
  • Surgery: Surgery is rare and reserved for cases unresponsive to other treatments.

Other Possible Conditions

If it’s not extensor tendinitis, other potential causes of toe pain include:

  • Metatarsal Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the metatarsal bones can cause pain similar to tendinitis.
  • Arthritis: Inflammation in the joints of the toes can lead to pain during movement.
  • Gout: A type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals in the joint.
  • Hammertoes: A deformity causing toes to bend or curl downward instead of pointing forward.
  • Muscle Cramps: Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions can cause sharp pain.
  • Nerve Issues: Conditions like neuropathy can cause pain and discomfort in the toes.

Seeking Professional Help

Correct diagnosis is vital for effective treatment. If you experience pain when curling your toes, consult Dr. Sanjay Patel at Patel Podiatry. With locations in Milford and Hamden, CT, we can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment to get you back on your feet.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let toe pain disrupt your life. Call our Milford office at 203-876-7736 or our Hamden office at 203-288-4055 to schedule an appointment. Even minor toe pain can cause a hiccup in your life, so don’t wait to call.