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If you’re dealing with painful toes, especially around the base of the big toe, everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing still can become challenging. One of the most common causes? Arthritis. This degenerative joint condition affects millions and often hits the small joints of the feet first. Symptoms can range from big and small toe joint pain, ball of foot pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, bunions, toe deformities, corns, calluses and difficulties walking.

Thankfully, a variety of arthritis treatment options—ranging from footwear and orthotics to exercises and toe bracing—can help you manage pain and improve mobility. Here’s your complete guide to toe joint pain relief.

Why are my toes painful?

The pain you’re feeling likely stems from joint inflammation or degeneration. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—located at the base of your big toe—often bears the brunt of arthritis, leading to stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.  The smaller toes can also experience arthritis over time due to toe deformities (such as clawed toes)

Common types of arthritis causing painful toes:

  • Osteoarthritis: Age-related joint wear and tear
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation
  • Gout: Crystal buildup, often beginning in the big toe

Regardless of type, untreated arthritis can cause chronic painful toes, toe deformities, and significant limitations in mobility.

What are the Top Arthritis Treatment Options for Painful Toes?

  1. Supportive Footwear

Proper footwear is essential. Look for:

  • Wide toe boxes to prevent cramping
  • Stiff soles or rocker-bottom shoes to reduce joint flexion
  • Shock-absorbing insoles for cushioning impact

Avoid high heels and narrow shoes, which exacerbate pressure on toe joints.

Pro Tip:  BioPed Canadian Certified Pedorthists are professional shoe fitters and can help you find the right shoe.

  1. Custom Orthotics: Personalized Support for Painful Toes

One of the most effective arthritis treatment options is the use of orthotics—custom shoe inserts designed to support and align the feet.

Benefits of orthotics:

  • Redistribute pressure away from painful toe joints
  • Improve biomechanics to reduce stress on the MTP joint
  • Stabilize foot structure to prevent further joint deterioration
  • Cushion sensitive areas and reduce impact

Orthotics may also include metatarsal pads, arch supports, or rigid forefoot inserts to further protect arthritic joints.

Pro Tip: Orthotics can be custom-made by Canadian Certified Pedorthists.

  1. Toe Bracing: Stabilize and Realign

Toe braces or splints are non-invasive tools that help manage painful toes and correct misalignment caused by arthritis.

How toe bracing helps:

  • Stabilizes the joint to prevent painful movement
  • Reduces inflammation by limiting irritation
  • Supports proper alignment, especially in cases of hallux valgus (bunions), hammer toes, or stiff big toe (hallux rigidus)
  • Improves comfort during walking or standing for long periods

Toe braces are available in soft or semi-rigid materials and may be worn during the day in shoes or overnight to hold the toe in a corrected position.   BioPed carries a wide range of toe bracing options.

Important: Talk to a BioPed Clinician before using a brace to ensure it’s suited for your condition. Ill-fitting braces can worsen symptoms.

  1. Removing corns and calluses

Professional corn and callus removal by a trained professional can relieve pain that is caused by toe deformities.  Our Medical Footcare team is highly trained to treat your calluses and corns.

  1. Pain Relief with medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can decrease inflammation. You can also apply topical treatments like diclofenac gel or capsaicin cream directly to the affected joint for localized relief.

  1. Exercises and Stretching

Gentle toe and foot exercises can:

  • Improve flexibility
  • Strengthen surrounding muscles
  • Support proper joint function

Examples:

  • Toe towel curls to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles
  • Big toe stretches to increase range of motion
  • Foot rolling with a ball to massage tight fascia

  1. Corticosteroid Injections

For moderate to severe pain, your clinician might recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected toe joint. These can offer temporary but powerful relief from inflammation.

  1. Surgical Options for Severe Arthritis

If conservative arthritis treatment methods fail, surgery may be necessary.  Surgery is typically reserved for advanced cases that interfere significantly with quality of life.

When Should You See a BioPed Canadian Certified Pedorthist or BioPed Clinician?

It’s time to consult a specialist if:

  • You have persistent or worsening toe pain
  • You experience limited joint movement or visible toe deformities
  • Home treatments are no longer effective

Early diagnosis can help you avoid complications and preserve joint function.

Book an Appointment

Painful toes don’t have to become your new normal. With the right combination of arthritis treatment—including orthotics, toe bracing, proper footwear, and supportive therapy—you can reduce discomfort, regain mobility, and get back to living your life.

Remember: Everyone’s journey with arthritis is different. The best results come from a personalized treatment plan developed with guidance.  At BioPed Footcare & Orthotics our clinicians are highly trained in Arthritis treatments that will be able to aid in your painful toes.

Take that first pain-free step today—your toes will thank you and Book an appointment with your local BioPed clinic.