My big toe gets 'stuck' (freezes up) - very painful - why???

Question

Every once in a while (once every couple of months, no big deal), my big toe will get stuck in the down position. You know how you can like tap your big toe up and down? Well mine will get stuck in the down position, and I can't move it unless i use my hand and pull it up. it's like my toe freezes up or something, and it's pretty painful.

pulling my toe back up and holding it in the up position is the only way i can relieve the pain. it's not so bad that i think i should see a doctor about it or anything, but i just want to know why it does that. so far, my sister and i are the only people i know that this happens to!

so...why does my toe freeze up like that??

Answer 1

Ouch! It sounds like you have a spur in toe you also can get them in your ankles and its quite painful. You normally get it from standing on carpeted concrete or tiled floors in flat shoes, for long hours ( like at work) when you take your shoes off you feel it more. Try not wearing shoes all the time and soak your foot in some warm water for about 20 minutes after taking off your shoes and rub some lanolin of vitamin E cream on your foot and put socks on. When you don't have to wear shoes don't. If you don't find relief doing this tape your toes together like a dancer does. You mentioned when it's in the up position it doesn't hurt to bad if it's taped up it should give you relief. Have you may have also kicked or stubbed your toe unknowingly like the end rail of your bed when you've been asleep and broken it. This is all a doctor will do anyway tape your toes together if it is broken or for a spur (calcium build up) Also changing shoes your wearing a few times a week will loosen it if it is a spur. I know how painful it is for you so I hope you get some relief soon.

Answer 2

podiatrist might be able to help...cant tell if you have a vascular problem( problem with ur blood vessels ie the freezing ) or some torn or sprained ligament or some tiny tendon issue if its purely mechanical..sounds more like the toe version of a trigger finger, good podiatrist or a foot and ankle specializing orthopedician should be able to look at it diagnose it and possibly treat it