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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Swollen Red Toes

by Tammy B.
(Denville, NJ)

infected toes

Four days ago my two toes starting to get red. I had not bumped them, cut them, nor anything else I could remember. By the next day they looked red (almost purple) and swollen. The do not itch. The bottom of the foot and toes are normal. (see picture attached) I went to my family doctor and he could not tell me what it is. No bite marks are apparent. He gave me Amoxicillin (antibiotic) to treat. It has been two days and, though not getting worse, doesn't look like it's getting any better. It is still hard to put any pressure on it to walk. I have not yet tried shoes. Would you have any idea of what this could be?

Hi Tammy,
More than likely you may have had a split in the skin, in between the second and third toes which then got infected. If that is the case and this is an infection then amoxicillin may not be your best drug. I would suggest you see a podiatrist or even a dermatologist as they would be better equipped to handle this problem.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Swollen Red Toes

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Mar 06, 2019
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Red swollen toes
by: Dave

Please check out condition by the name of Erythromelalgia. I've had this condition for over a year. Swollen and painful toes and forefoot all day long, and at night time there are flare ups to the point that I can't walk.

Jan 06, 2019
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Swollen Red Toes
by: Tina

11 months now with red swollen painful toes! It began as just pain + redness, no swelling; doc had me take a A1-C test which showed I was diabetic type 2 at 10.1 so gave a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. I declined metformin + went on a strict low carb diet + brought my A1-C down to a prediabetic level but saw no change in toes. After 4 months I finally noticed a cut between the 3+4th toes + was diagnosed with cellulitis + put on 10 days of cephalexin antibiotic. Redness + pain started to disappear but came back after med was finished. Was given another 10 days of antibiotic + the toe redness started to diminish but came back again after med was finished. Doc now focuses on saying it's a diabetic wound + I'm now on Glimipiride + waiting for my next A1-C but still in pain!

Dec 10, 2015
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Red swollen toes
by: Anonymous

Hi,
I went to my chiropractor and told him I had problems with my feet waking up in the morning. He then prescribed me calcium powder with magnesium. I went to a Whole Foods store bought it and took it that day. About two days later I had a couple swollen red toes and even one toe on the other foot was swollen as well. I continued to take the calcium for a few more days until I came across this website and read all of your comments. I'm going to stop taking the calcium now and get back to you for an update. This has left me frustrated hopefully I can get my toes back to normal.

Apr 06, 2012
Rating

Red toes and supplements
by: Anonymous

All the red toe complaints are too much alike to all come from some some exterior cause. I believe after suffering from this affliction for the last three months and going through the process of many - that it was a cut, shoes or a broken toe - that it finally hit me that this was when I started taking many supplements. So I concur with the person that mentioned calcium or some other supplement.

Now I've discontinued most and if I see an improvement will add them back to see which is the culprit. I've never a problem with Omega 3 or Multi-Vitamins or aspirin.

Omega 3
Multi-Vitamin
L-Theanine – reduces stress
Alpha-Lipoic against free radicals
Aspirin 83mg
Rhodiola Rosea
Jujube

Feb 25, 2012
Rating

Red Toe
by: Anonymous

hi my name is esther I have this problem for 5 Months the doctor give to me 2 different crams and 2 different antiviotic.
Is still the some, some time is red swellen some time is okay and get very dray my sking.
Please any body know how to cure this is 5 months I cant take any more .I put my feet in warm water with alcohol, sal no work any think.
Thanks for some information.

Aug 17, 2009
Rating

Swollen and gross
by: Anonymous

I have an issue with both of my big toes
they are swollen and they hurt every time
I hit the top of them.
I have been soaking them in Epsom salts
and they have not gotten better!
Can anyone tell me what this is?
And how I can treat it.

Mar 03, 2009
Rating

swollen red toes
by: Anonymous

I took a calcium supplement - one of those over-the counter meds. My toes blew up and were red. I went to see a doctor but did not nention the calcium supplement because it hadn't occurred that this was the problem. After the usual discussion with the doctor - did I stub my foot? Did anthing fall on my foot? etc. he x-rayed my feet and said I had a calcium deposit there. I cut out the supplemnt and the problem disappeared. Then, because I was curious, I took the supplement again and the toes blew up.

Jan 22, 2009
Rating

Crystal
by: Anonymous

My Name IS Crystal And I Am Having This Same Problem For About A Week Now They Hurt Really Bad. What Could This Be.

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

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Arizona

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Florida

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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San Clemente, CA

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location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

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anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

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Chrissy

location unknown

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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location unknown

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location unknown

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

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Jill S.

location unknown

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Jackie

Whichita, KS

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mark

Boston, MA

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....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

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Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

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Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

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Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Swollen Red Toes

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