What Causes Sharp Pulsating Pain In Toes?

Posted on Sun, 23 Aug 2015

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

Sun, 23 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there. I am a 26 year old male. Recently at work I have been experiencing seemingly unprovoked sharp, pulsating pain in some of my toes. I have felt it in my Left big toe and in my right pinky toe. The pain in my left big toe occurs only at the very tip and isn't related to any known injury. I have sciatica in my left leg but not in my right. I also have random small aches in my whole body but I associate that to stress. I recently had bloodwork done and they only found slightly high triglycerides and cholesterol.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible bursitis

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

You are right in saying that this type of pain is not related to your sciatica, that distribution of pain is not typical. It is not typical for any worrying issues like nerve or blood vessel related causes fortunately. I am also assuming that you haven't had any sprain or other type of trauma to the toes.
Judging from that description the most likely cause would be bursitis of the toes. It is usually related to microtrauma of the toes, often in association with issues like corns or bunions. Often it can be related to certain shoes and identifying which one aggravate it and eliminating them can alone lead to improvement.

Other causes might include podagra but it would be unlikely at your age. Arthritis due to connective tissue disease might be a factor as well but usually involves the hands first, so unlikely.

I hope to have been of help

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar