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Toe pain

There are lots of causes of toe pain. You can usually ease the pain yourself. But sometimes it can be something serious like a broken toe.

Causes of toe pain

A sore toe is often caused by exercising too much or wearing shoes that are too tight.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of your pain yourself.

Some of the possible causes of toe pain
Symptoms Possible cause

Pain or swelling around the nail, nail curls into the toe

Ingrown toe nail

Hard bony lump near the big toe

Bunion

Pain, tingling and numbness when you're cold or stressed, toes can change colour

Raynaud's or chilblains

Pain, swollen or bruised toe, hurts to walk

Sprained or broken toe

Sudden pain, stiffness, hot swollen or red skin around the toe joint - this may be harder to see on brown or black skin

Gout

Important

If you think you may have broken your toe, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact NHS 111 to find out what to do.

How to ease toe pain yourself

You may be able to treat the pain yourself if your toe is not broken.

Do

  • rest and raise your foot when you can

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your toe for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours – this is not suitable if you have chilblains or Raynaud's

  • wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole

  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

  • buddy strap a broken toe – put a small piece of cotton wool or gauze between your sore toe and the next toe, and use tape to loosely strap it up (do not do this for a big toe or a badly broken toe)

  • try regular gentle stretching exercises

Don’t

  • do not walk or stand for long periods

  • do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes

  • do not put an ice pack on your toe if you have chilblains or Raynaud's

A pharmacist can help with toe pain

If you have toe pain, a pharmacist can advise you about:

  • the best painkiller to take
  • insoles and pads for your shoes
  • treatments for common skin and nail problems
  • whether you need to see a GP
Find a pharmacy

Video: Exercises to reduce toe pain

This video demonstrates exercises that can help reduce toe pain.

Media last reviewed: 17 April 2025
Media review due: 17 April 2028
See exercise video safety information

The exercises in this series of videos are suitable for most people in good health with a reasonable level of fitness.

Unless stated otherwise, they are general exercises only and are not aimed at treating any specific cause of pain or condition. Video titles and descriptions can give more information on how difficult the exercises are and who they are for.

Get advice from a healthcare professional (such as a GP) before trying them if:

  • you are not sure if the exercises are suitable for your current level of fitness
  • you have a health problem, an injury, any symptoms, are feeling unwell, or you have had a recent health event such as a heart attack or operation
  • you have any other concerns about your health
  • you are pregnant or have recently given birth

Stop the exercise immediately if you feel any pain or become unwell. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not go away, get help from 111 online or call 111 for advice.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you think you might have broken a toe
  • pain in your toe is stopping you doing normal activities
  • the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • you have diabetes and foot pain – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Urgent advice: Contact NHS 111 if:

  • you have badly hurt your big toe
  • you're in severe pain
  • you feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
  • you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your foot
  • your toe is pointing at an odd angle
  • you heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of injury
  • you have difficulty moving your toes or you cannot walk
  • you have toe pain and feel hot, cold or shivery

These might be signs of a badly broken toe after an injury.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Information:

Self-refer to a podiatrist

If you have toe pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
  • search online for NHS podiatrists near you

Page last reviewed: 20 November 2025
Next review due: 20 November 2028