Little toe pain may be caused by several factors including high-impact exercise, improperly fitting shoes and various medical conditions, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Jogging, for example, may cause toe injuries, high-heeled shoes put undue pressure on the toes, and arthritis can settle into any toe.
Toe arthritis occurs after a toe's joint becomes inflamed. While the big toe is most often affected by arthritis, an injury to any toe can cause it to become arthritic later on, cautions Healthline. Other risk factors for toe arthritis include a predisposition because of family history, obesity, age, and the wearing tightly fitting, high-heeled shoes for much of one's life.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of toe arthritis, and the degree to which it is felt depends on the level of joint deterioration. Other symptoms of arthritis of the toes may include stiffness, swelling, clicking noises and the sensation of heat in the area.
Little toe pain may be caused by certain conditions, such as an ingrown toe nail. It may also result from problems often specific to the little toe, such as calluses and corns, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A bunionette, or tailor's bunion, only refers to a growth that develops near the base of the little toe, says FootDoc.
