Here’s why your Big Toe’s Numb or Callused on One Side
The problem: a callus or numbness on the side of the big toe, leading to pain or a feeling of numbness or tingling.
The cause: a stubborn, inflexible big toe that forces the foot to roll to the inside during walking. This can result in calluses and pinched nerves, causing pain and numbness.
Video: How to Treat Big Toe Numbness and Callus Formation
A common big toe problem is a callus and/or numbness on the side of the big toe. This can cause pain on the side of the big toe along with a feeling of numbness and tingling.
A callus, pain or numbness of the big toe is caused by a jamming of the big toe joint during walking. This is called hallux limitus. When the big toe cannot move fully as you step forward, you are forced to roll off of the side of the toe. This pinches the skin and causes the callus. It can also irritate the nerve in the toe and cause numbness and pain. This condition is called “compressive peripheral neuritis”, which is an inflammation of the nerve in the toe due to excessive compression of the nerve.
Numb big toes and calluses on the big toe are also very common in patients with bunions. In fact, these problems are present in most patients with bunions. This is because patients with bunions are forced to roll over the side of the big toe – this pinches the skin causing the callus and numbness. But you don’t have to have a bunion for these problems to occur.
What is the Most Effective Treatment of Big Toe Calluses and Numbness?
Since a lack of motion of the big toe joint causes the big toe corn or callus, the best way to treat it is to use shoes and orthotics that enhance big toe motion. You want to use stable shoes (available on our shoe list). Custom orthotics can be prescribed specifically to give the big toe joint maximum motion in order to eliminate or reduce callus formation. For very best results and reduction of the callus, this requires a very specific orthotic called a “total contact orthotic”. Several studies have demonstrated that they can improve big toe motion. To be evaluated for orthotics to treat your big toe callus, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic.
It is critical that any orthotic used to treat numbness or callus of the big toe works to enhance motion in the big toe joint. This is the only way to effectively reduce pressure on the medial side of the toe. The video below provides a full explanation of what either a custom or a prefabricated orthotic must do in order to treat this problem. (Note: This video was produced as an educational video for podiatrists and so it may be a bit technical).
What are Home Treatments for Big Toe Callus and Numb Big Toe?
Home treatments for calluses and neuritis of the big toe are focused on improving motion of the big toe joint and getting rid of the pressure on the side of the toe that leads to callus formation and numbness due to pressure on the nerve.
To improve motion of the big toe, you must support the arch and transfer pressure off of the big toe joint (see the video above for details on how this works).
The products below will help you prevent and treat the callus. These are the products we recommend to our patients and they are also affiliate links so we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if your order from the link
Try the following 6-step treatment plan for three weeks. If your pain, numbness and callus are not gone, call 206.344.3808 or use our Patient Portal to make an appointment or find a podiatrist in your community who specializes in biomechanics and orthotic therapy.
1. Use an Arch Support in Your Shoes
This will act to improve motion of the big toe joint so that you are less likely to roll of over the side of the toe. OTC arch supports will not work as well as a custom orthotic because they don’t conform as close to your arch (see video), but will help.
For full size shoes the one we have found has the best ability to reduce pressure on the big toe is the FootChair Orthoticwith adjustable arch height. FootChair has excellent arch support so it is very effective at transferring pressure off of the big toe joint region and improving big toe joint motion. Plus it comes with pads that can increase the arch height if necessary to further improve big toe joint motion. This reduces the pressure and frictions that leads to numbness and callus formation.
For women’s dress shoes including flats and high heels we recommend the FootChair Slim Orthotic with adjustable arch height. de4It also has excellent adjustable arch support but is made to fit in women’s flats and heels.
For soccer cleats and men’s dress shoes we also recommend the FootChair Slim Orthotic.
2. Use Arch Support Flip Flops
Around the house, don’t go barefoot. Use a sandal with an arch support. This will act to decrease pressure on your big toe joint. We recommend theName%20Your Link” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Vionic Flip-flops and Sandals for its superior arch support.
3. Wear a Stable Shoe
This will help prevent your foot from rolling into the big toe. This Name Your Link” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Vionic Walking Shoes for women andName Your Link” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”> these for men are good examples. This brand is exceptional in the support they provide
4. Grind Away the Callus with an Electric Grinder
Grinding away the callus will decrease the pressure that leads to pain and numbness. The easiest way is to use a electric grinder like the Pedinova. Use it after a bath or shower when the skin is soft.
We have tried many of these grinders and find that many are under-powered and stop turning when a little force is applied. This one is salon grade and will give you the smooth feet you want.
Instructions for Grinding Callus to Get Smooth Skin:
First take a bath or shower or soak your feet
Use the Large Sapphire Cone Bit (Figure 6) included with Beurer Electric Nail Grinder, to grind the thickened skin on the side of the toe or at the big toe joint.
Figure 6
Use gentle pressure and grind it thinner until it is normal thickness and smooth or starts to get warm.
If it gets warm, stop and then do a little more later or the following day.
Continue grinding a little each day until the callus is gone and the skin is smooth.
An exfoliating cream will help get rid of the thickened skin that is causing pain and numbness of the big toe. Put this on each night after you use the grinder or Ped Egg on your callus. The cream we most often recommend to our patients is Urea 40% such as this Urea%20Cream 40 / Revitaderm – 4oz” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Urea Cream 40.
7. Use a Callus and Blister Prevention Patch on the Insole of Your Shoe.
These Blister Prevention Patches by ENGO, Rectangles (2 Count)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>callus and blister prevention patches are made of a material called Polytetrafloroethelene or PTFE. PTFE has an extremely low coefficient of friction so it can dramatically decrease the friction forces that lead to callus formation. In fact, PTFE was developed originally as a suture material for fragile structures like blood vessels and nerves. Because it causes so little friction it doesn’t harm these very thin and fragile structures.
PTFE is also available in a self-stick patch under the brand name Engo. Engo patches can be applied to the insole of the shoe or on top of an orthotic right under the big toe. Applying these patches will help to decrease friction and by doing so will help prevent the formation of calluses and blisters. Engo PTFE patches can also be applied inside the shoe in areas at risk of blistering. Just cut out the shape you need and then peel and stick. The Engo patch should extend about 1/4 inch beyond the edge of the of the callus. You can Blister Prevention Patches by ENGO, Rectangles (2 Count)” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>get Engo PTFE patches here.
Please fill out the form below and we will contact with you within one business day.
Please don't hesitate to contact us at 206-344-3808
Foot & Ankle Center
Free Instant Download - Relieve Your Pain With Simple Solutions
Download Our FREE Shoe List
Want our Recommended Shoe List?
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our Free list of recommended shoes:
Updates on Treatment of Toenail Fungus
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, we will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that we have experience with all of these products and we recommend them to our patients, friends and family. We recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.