Sore Toes

[Jo Ann Rademacher]

Every time I walk more than 7 or so miles, the second toe on both of my feet get sore at the very tip near the nail, not at the bottom of the toe. I use Body Glide, sock liners and wool socks and my shoes are a size and a half larger and my toes do not rub or touch the end of my shoes. Although there is soreness, there is NO redness, NO blister, NO swelling - it just hurts! Has anyone else had this problem? Trying to resolve this before I leave for Spain in one week. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Al the optimist]

Not had this problem but have a test walk with a plaster round it?

 

[Kiwi-d]

Maybe try cushioning it with hikers wool?

 

[michryan]

You can get some little toe socks. They are like cushioning for your toes. You get them from chemists and they come in tube like socks that you cut to size. My hubby wears them.

 

[Kanga]

I think your toes might be touching the top of your shoes (not the end) which happens with me. It's just a peculiarity (in my case) of my gait. I regularly lose toenails, not as dramatic as it sounds as it does not hurt and a new nail grows underneath. Try some strapping the end and top of your toes.

 

[BoyRoger]

I have this problem and have not really found an answer, my latest solution is to wrap a piece of fabric band-aid/plaster over the end of the toe. I lost the nail from the right hand first and second toes when walking the Camino Frances this year, both went black on the camino and fell off after I'd been home a week or two. I think maybe it's caused by the toe wrapping under as I step trying to grip the ground, or it could be hitting the end of the shoe but there is plenty of room in my size 12s.

 

[efdoucette]

I think Kanga is probably right, I have the same problem with my big toe, right foot. I think it points upward and rubs the top of the shoe. I stretch it backwards to try to loosen it up and keep the nail short. Maybe covering it with a band-aid (plaster) may help. Not much help but I share your pain. Once you are on the Camino you may be occupied with other aches and pains it may become a non issue Good luck, buen camino.

 

[Olivares]

This seems like a nail problem that is reflecting on the toe; not uncommon. Try topical or oral antifungal medications and see if anything improves. Try cotton socks and change them mid-day. Buen Camino!

 

[vgen5122]

Every time I walk more than 7 or so miles, the second toe on both of my feet get sore at the very tip near the nail, not at the bottom of the toe. I use Body Glide, sock liners and wool socks and my shoes are a size and a half larger and my toes do not rub or touch the end of my shoes. Although there is soreness, there is NO redness, NO blister, NO swelling - it just hurts! Has anyone else had this problem? Trying to resolve this before I leave for Spain in one week. Thanks for any suggestions.

It sounds like a problem I also had. I would go to the pharmacy and buy the little toe socks. They just cover the toes individually and have gel like substance around the toe. They sell them also to just cover the toe length and not the top.
They come in tubes that you can cut to size. It's the most economical too.

 

[gerardcarey]

I put an earplug between the affected toe and it's neighbour.
Don't ask me how or why it worked but it did.
Regds
Gerard

 

[Kanga]

I put an earplug between the affected toe and it's neighbour.
Don't ask me how or why it worked but it did.

Yes, this works for some people. You can buy proper "toe separators" if your ears don't appreciate the foot smell! They are sold in farmacias, in the foot care section. They can also help people who get blisters from small toes crossing under others.