Inflammation of the toe
introduction
A Inflammation of the toe is a relative frequent and varied symptoms, when in the toe one inflammatory process in tissues, joints or bones of equipping. Often times, harmless changes are like a inflamed nail bed responsible, but also can systemic diseases stuck behind an inflammation on the toe, which is then especially due to a Inflammation in the big toe demonstrate.
Symptoms
Inflammation of the toe causes a number of non-specific symptoms that are typical of inflammation. At first the toe hurts, initially when it is exerted and later also when it is at rest. The pain is described as sharp and sharp and worsens with touch or movement. A throbbing pain is often felt, which can be explained by small pulsating arteries.
In addition, the toe is red and swollen, and the affected area is sometimes overheating. See also here: Swollen toe
As the last sign of inflammation, the function of the toe, i.e. mobility and resilience, is restricted. In addition to these symptoms, there are some symptoms specific to the cause, such as bloody leaks from an ingrown toenail.
In some cases, the inflammation is purulent, suggesting a bacterial cause. If rheumatoid arthritis is the cause of the symptoms, other joints throughout the body in addition to the toe may show similar symptoms.
A sudden onset of severe pain, especially in the big toe, is often the cause of gout.
Also read the article on the topic: Pus on toe
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Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
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causes
An inflammation on the toe can numerous causes have that of a slight local inflammation up to a systemic underlying disease can range.
The simplest cause of inflammation on the toe is one Inflammation of the nail bedwhich in most cases affects the big toe. The nail bed is the layer of skin that lies directly under the nail and is usually well shielded from external stimuli. However, in the context of small injuries in the area of the nail wall or the adjacent skin for infiltration of pathogens come. Classic would be one here Penetrated wood splinters. Come as a pathogen bacteria, Viruses and also Mushrooms in question. These pathogens have a very good environment under the nail in which to grow to multiply quickly and the inflammation on the toe trigger.
Also faulty nail carethat leads to dehydration of the skin, or the frequent contact with chemicals can cause small cracks in the skin and promote inflammation.
Also read: Inflammation in the big toe
Another common cause is a ingrown toenail, which also causes inflammation of the toe. This clinical picture mostly affects the big toe. On the one hand, the causes of an ingrown nail are shoes that are too tightthat prevents the nail from growing freely, on the other hand, a cutting too short promote ingrowth especially at the edges of the nail.
There are also forms of inflammation on the toe that have no local cause or damage, but various underlying diseases. That's what she calls gout typically as first sign of the disease an inflammation of the big toe emerged. This phenomenon is so characteristic that it becomes a proper name, Podagra, got. Gout is a metabolic disease in which too much uric acid in the blood present. The production of uric acid can be increased in the course of numerous processes or the kidney is (additionally) no longer able to excrete excess uric acid. This is then stored as Crystals in joints and calls one there Inflammation with sudden severe pain and swelling emerged. In gout, a distinction is made between one acute gout attack and a chronic course.
In addition, a isolated inflammation on a toe due to a rheumatological cause again rheumatoid arthritis thought, even if the toe is usually not the first manifestation. This disease is one of the Autoimmune diseaseswhich means that the body produces substances that attack its own tissues. The exact causes and mechanisms are not yet fully understood.
diagnosis
At the beginning of the diagnosis should be a exact inquiry of the complaints by the doctor stand. This can possibly result in inflammation previous activities or triggers such as cuts or other minor injuries be worked out. Also should after Particular stress on the toes from work, sport or footwear be watched. The question about known Pre-existing illness can be right on top towards gout or rheumatism make you think.
The toe with the inflammation closed consider is another step to The color and swelling of the toe and the condition of the nail to judge. A ingrown toenail can thus be diagnosed straight away.The same is true Inflammation of the nail bed on the toe primarily due to the Redness and swelling with accompanying pain a visual diagnosis, which together with the questioning of the person concerned about possible causes, justifies treatment. To one responsible pathogen to identify makes one Smear from the affected toe Sense. With this you can bacteria, Mushrooms and Viruses be reliably proven and also treated in a targeted manner.
Is the Mobility severely restricted and pass the Complaints for a long time, can in rare cases a roentgen or one Magnetic resonance imaging be caused to the Involvement of bones or tendons to exclude.
The Diagnosis of gout is put in a similar way mainly clinically, there is also one laboratory component. Besides the typical sudden onset of inflammation on the toe As a sign of gout, the doctor will take a blood sample and examine it for certain values. Increased uric acid levels and inflammation levels underline the suspicion. If there is any doubt, leave it alone Detect uric acid crystals directly from a sample from the affected area.
Diagnosing a rheumatological cause is more complicated and should go through one Rheumatologist be asked. Basics here are the clinical observations like Toe stiffness, inflammation and involvement of at least one other joint. Laboratory tests that will lead to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis are Inflammation levels and certain antibodiesthat are specific to this type of disease.
therapy
Depending on the cause of the inflammation, stand on the toe different therapy options to disposal. In case of a Inflammation of the nail bed is a first measure that To spare the toe and on one Relief of the nail to pay attention. Can support Foot baths e.g. with chamomile and anti-inflammatory ointments used so that the simple inflammation on the toe heal after a few days should. If it doesn't, it's the toe to show to a doctorwho then uses a specific therapy against a specific pathogen Antibiotics or agents against viruses or fungi can initiate.
Purulent accumulations under the toenail may be through a small hole in the nail, which in some cases also has to be removed. It rarely happens that the inflammation on the toe has lasted for a long time and the Bone reached Has. Here one can surgery be necessary.
The Therapy for an ingrown toenail is mostly Podiatrists / podiatrists or dermatologists Reserved. Here is first conservative tried the Prevent nails from growing into tissue and relieve inflammation. Foot baths soften the nail before using any treatment anti-inflammatory ointments and then Association he follows. A podiatrist can use a special bandage technique to lift the nail slightly, providing immediate relief. The next level is a kind Nail brace available that is worn for up to a year and correct the misalignment of the nail on the toe should. If the above measures are not sufficient, the nail can surgically under local anesthesia removed; if necessary, this will also be removed Nail bed with reduced size.
Has been found to be the cause of the inflammation on the toe gout When diagnosed, certain drug treatment regimens for this disease are used. in the acute gout attack come symptomatic anti-inflammatory and pain relievers such as ibuprofen for use. Next to it will Colchicine given what the Prevents uric acid from being stored in the joints, such as Cortisone. This also has very good anti-inflammatory effects. After the seizure, the chronic form allopurinol applied which directly the Inhibits the formation of uric acid. You should also focus on a certain low-purine diet be respected.
Should be the diagnosis rheumatism are also a combination various drugs as basic therapy, as well as modified for use in thrust. In addition, one influence targeted physiotherapy or hot and cold therapies the course positive.
Complications
Inflammation on the toe is more likely overall few complications. In some serious cases it can to longer lasting complaints come that treated surgically Need to become. Very rarely does one lead Inflammation of the nail bed to involve the bones in the toe. Remains one gout or the Rheumatoid arthritis if left untreated for a long time, the Inflammation is chronic and it can cause deformation of the joints in the toe come.
forecast
Inflammation of the toe heals as long as there is no underlying disease, in most cases spontaneously after a few days and only requires special therapy for longer symptoms. The gout is like rheumatism a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but can usually be controlled. The course is very different in individual cases.
prophylaxis
Good foot hygiene is the best prophylaxis of an ingrown Toenail or one Inflammation of the nail bed. The Nails shouldn't be cut too short also is a Avoid drying out the skin of the feet through too frequent washing. Appropriate footwear prevents pressure-related inflammation and causes minor injuries to the toe, e.g. through a splinter. Prophylactic against Gout attacks acts a certain diet, at the so-called Purines absorbed as little as possible become. Against the occurrence of rheumatism Unfortunately, no sensible measures are known to prevent the breakout. But you can get through the course of the disease regular checkups or physiotherapy affect effectively.
