What Causes Pain And Swelling On Toe?

Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a swollen red 3rd toe on rt foot for two months. Took steroids and it got better and now has returned. Had a uric acid and Sed rate that we're normal. What could this be. No history of injury.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be arthritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Pain and swelling of the third toe of the foot with no history of injury and normal uric acid levels can be due to arthritis or infection.
It can be associated with consumption of alcohol, seafood and meat or due to degenerative changes in the joint or due to minor stress fracture.
Taking a diet rich in vitamin C, dairy products and coffee is likely to help in improvement of symptoms.
An X-ray of the affected joint will help in proper diagnosis. Till then you can get some pain killers prescribed. Doing a hot fomentation will also help in reducing the inflammation.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E