Some people can crack their toes the same way they can crack their knuckles. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we know for some of our Middlesex County patients cracking your toes may just be a habit. Still, if you experience cracking or popping your toes that is not intentional, it may be necessary to look closer. Below are 3 reasons your toes may crack or pop:

  1. Gas—no, not the intestinal kind but the type that builds up as tiny bubbles in the synovial fluid that lubricates your joints. When the joint pulls apart, the gas bubbles are released and pop, causing an audible cracking sound that you hear. It is completely normal and not a cause for concern.
  2. Injury—cracking toes may be due to an old injury re-aggravated or the sign that a new injury has occurred. Cracking or popping sounds, especially if accompanied by pain and swelling in the same toe, can be a sign of a broken toe. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, should check out these symptoms. The podiatrist will want to examine your toe and most likely will order x-rays or other imaging studies to see if the toe has suffered an acute or stress fracture. Although, in most instances, the treatment for a broken toe is minimal, there are cases where the injury is more complicated and requires greater intervention.
  3. Arthritis—toe cracking may also signal arthritis. Remember that arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 different joint disorders, most of which will manifest by pain in the joints. If your toe noises are the result of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type. You may also notice stiffness, pain, swelling, changes in the appearance of your toe, and decreased range of motion.

It’s important not to ignore changes in your feet and ankles. If you are experiencing unusual toe cracking or any other discomfort, no matter how minor it may seem, don’t hesitate to contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 to set up an appointment.

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We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

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162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416