Sausage toe is a toe that is swollen at the distal tip of the toe while the other toes are not. The toenail becomes thick, pitted and starts to look like it will lift off from the bed. Although the toenail appears to have a fungal infection, it does not respond to medication for toenail fungus. Sausage toes are seen in psoriatic arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome and other inflammatory systemic conditions.
Sausage toes differ from broken toes or other injury in that they don’t improve with time as an injury will. Toenail changes that appear like a fungal toe do not accompany injury.
Many with this condition find closed shoes too constrictive on the foot with the toe so they wear sandals as often as they can get away with it. Extra depth, double or triple depth
shoes should provide enough room for the toe to fit comfortably. As with other arthritic conditions, exercise is very important in managing the “use it or lose it” aspect of joint disorders. Pedorthists assist in finding shoes and supports that will fit around the toe and make exercising comfortable.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Lollipop toe
Symptoms:
- Pain and heat in the toe
- Redness and swelling in the toe
- Other joint pain
- Toenail takes on thick, pitted appearance
Signs to look for:
- Swollen toe
- Toenail changes on the toe
Possible Causes:
- Psoriatic arthritis tends to run in families
Goals:
- Create foot balance
- Align hips, knees, ankles and feet
- Support arches
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as shoes with titanium springs, where there is enough depth in them to allow the toe to sit comfortably in the shoe.
- If regular flip-flop wearer, wear only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Heels and pumps may not be possible
- Walk barefoot minimally
Other:
- Medical care
Activities:
- Regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structure
- Rotation of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercising, such as walking (weight bearing) with swimming or bicycling (non-weight bearing)
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2011 Carole Romig
Sources Image: foothyperbook.com Text: foothyperbook.com, arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com, grapevinetxpodiatrist.com