Searing toe pain. Big toe. Anyone else had this issue?

[jlittle]

@jlittle

I, too, have had this exact issue. Always associated with long rides or rides with exceptionally bumpy surfaces (gravel, mountain biking, or bumpy-arse roads). I cut a hole in my insoles under my big toe, which helps some, but doesn’t alleviate it. Wide shoes helps some also, but isn’t a 100% cure either. I moved my cleats back to reduce pressure, but it didn’t have a meaningful benefit and just led to massive toe overlap so I moved them to their original position.

Anyway, I’m also quite interested in hearing someone who’s experienced and solved this.

I should add that I once had a casual conversation with a podiatrist who suggested Morton’s neuroma, which is an inflamed nerve between the metatarsals. He said the discomfort felt in the big toe could be the manifestation of the proximal inflamed portion. I’ve never fully pursued this because the two podiatrists I talked to after that both wanted to sell me orthotics. I already have a recent pair that I use in running and cycling shoes. They are comfortable, but don’t affect any change in my symptoms.