A swollen toe could be the result of trauma or infection or it could be a symptom of a condition such arthritis. If you don’t know why your toe is swollen and the swelling persists and is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, see your doctor for a full diagnosis and recommendation for treatment.

What do you do when your big toe is swollen and red?

Treatment could include: over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) immobilization, often by taping to a neighboring toe.

How do they check for gout?

Tests to help diagnose gout may include:

  1. Joint fluid test. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid from your affected joint.
  2. Blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to measure the levels of uric acid in your blood.
  3. X-ray imaging.
  4. Ultrasound.
  5. Dual-energy computerized tomography (DECT).

When should I go to the doctor for a toe infection?

Be sure to see a doctor if your toe gets infected. Your toe might be infected if it hurts more than it did before you tried the home treatment. Call your doctor if your toe is red, warm, swollen, or drains pus, or if there are red streaks leading from your toe. Your doctor might give you antibiotics.

Will a toe infection go away by itself?

Will an Infected Toe Heal Itself? An infection can sometimes go away on its own, but it may need treatment. If you have diabetes, and redness and swelling don’t go away or have painful joints or muscles, you should see your doctor.

What color are COVID toes?

COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19.

Why do I have a swollen toe?

Swollen toes can be caused by a trauma, like from something falling on your toe, or stubbing it. Swelling may also be caused by infections or from changes in the structure of your toes, such as when bunions develop. But it can also be caused by an underlying health issue like gout or heart failure.

How do you treat a swollen big toe?

Apply ice compresses to swelling caused by an injury to the toe. Elevate your foot above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling. When lying down, prop your foot on a couple of pillows.

How do you reduce swelling in toe?

Home treatment for a toe infection involves applying moist heat, which may not initially reduce swelling but can help improve blood flow, decrease pain and hasten healing. Soak the foot in warm — not hot — water for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily. Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications are also available.

How to treat a sore big toe?

Shoes: Wear supportive shoes with thick soles and a wide toe box that takes pressure off the big toe. Ditch your high heels.

  • Pain killers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen ( Tylenol) and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen ( Advil ).
  • Ice: Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

    • What causes swelling on big toe?

    Ingrown toenail ( onychocryptosis) This is condition whereby the nails grows or cuts into nails beds.

  • Sesamoid injuries in the foot The sesamoid is a bone fixed in a tendon. They are found in several joints in the body.
  • Gout Gout is another common cause this problem but can also affect other toes.