Swollen Painful Toe? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX

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Swollen Painful Toe? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX

If you’re noticing your big toe is swollen, red, warm, and very painful—especially without an obvious injury—it’s completely understandable to feel worried. The throbbing pain making it hard to walk or even touch your toe can be alarming. You’re likely searching for answers to understand what might be wrong and how urgently you need care.

You’re in the right place. This post will help you understand the types of healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat your toe pain, what kinds of procedures you might expect during your first visit, and approximate costs if you’re paying out of pocket in Fort Worth, TX. Our goal is to help you take calm, informed next steps toward feeling better.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth

Given your symptoms—a swollen and painful toe with redness and warmth—several types of doctors could help diagnose and treat the cause, whether it’s an infection, inflammation, or injury. Here are some good starting points:

  • Podiatry: Specialists who focus on foot and ankle issues. They can diagnose toe infections, gout, injuries, and other foot problems.
  • Family Practice: General doctors who treat a wide range of health concerns. They can evaluate your symptoms and either treat you or refer you to a specialist if needed.
  • Internal Medicine: Doctors who specialize in adult medicine and can help diagnose internal causes of swelling like infections or inflammatory conditions.
  • Orthopedic Surgery: Specialists who focus on bones, joints, and muscles. They can help if your toe pain is due to bone damage or joint issues.

Each provider can provide a professional diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment based on your specific situation.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of common procedures you might encounter with each type of provider in Fort Worth, including estimated self-pay costs. These prices are just a guide and can vary by clinic.

Visit with a Podiatry Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a thorough visit to review your symptoms, examine your toe, and discuss your health history to find the cause of the pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.67 (range: $147.50 to $245.84)
    This estimate is based on 37 providers in the Fort Worth area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of toe, minimum of 2 views (CPT Code: 73660)
    Purpose: An X-ray helps detect fractures, bone abnormalities, or joint issues that might be causing the swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $44.86 (range: $33.65 to $56.08)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider offering this procedure locally.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from small joint (CPT Code: 20600)
    Purpose: This procedure can relieve swelling or help diagnose infections or gout by removing fluid from your joint.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $78.13 (range: $58.60 to $97.66)
    Available from 12 providers in Fort Worth.

  • Procedure: Aspiration of abscess, blood, or cyst (CPT Code: 10160)
    Purpose: If there is an abscess (a pocket of infection), this procedure helps drain it to reduce pain and speed healing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.30 (range: $144.23 to $240.38)
    This can be done by 1 provider locally.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Your family doctor will evaluate your toe and overall health, potentially performing initial treatment or referring you if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (range: $144.29 to $240.48)
    Based on 350 providers in the area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test can check for infection or inflammation indicators in your body.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.14 (range: $9.11 to $15.18)
    Performed by 39 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: A urine test might be done to look for infections that could cause joint symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.97 (range: $2.63 to $7.30)
    Available at 82 providers in Fort Worth.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Necessary for blood tests that help diagnose your condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.94 (range: $9.71 to $16.18)
    Offered by 131 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of antimicrobial drug effectiveness (CPT Code: 87186)
    Purpose: Tests to check how an infection-causing microbe responds to antibiotics, if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.57 (range: $10.18 to $16.96)
    Available at 6 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Internal medicine doctors can examine your symptoms and order tests or treatments for infections or systemic causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.37 (range: $145.78 to $242.96)
    Offered by 224 providers in Fort Worth.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: To check for infection or inflammation markers in your blood.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.16 (range: $9.12 to $15.20)
    Based on 43 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Helps detect possible infection or other causes related to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.46 (range: $2.63 to $8.30)
    With 49 providers nearby.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: For necessary blood testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.99 (range: $9.74 to $16.24)
    Performed by 83 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ecg) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Sometimes done to check heart function if your symptoms suggest systemic illness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.09 (range: $16.93 to $37.25)
    Provided by 69 providers.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgery Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: A focused visit for bone or joint issues affecting your toe.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $139.68 (range: $104.76 to $174.60)
    Based on 109 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of foot, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73630)
    Purpose: A more comprehensive X-ray for foot bones and joints to detect fractures or damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.80 (range: $41.10 to $68.50)
    Available with 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from small joint (CPT Code: 20600)
    Purpose: To relieve joint swelling or obtain fluid for diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $80.67 (range: $60.50 to $100.84)
    Available from 7 providers.

The most important step is to consult a healthcare professional promptly to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here are your next steps:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a podiatrist, family practice doctor, internal medicine specialist, or orthopedic surgeon in Fort Worth. Starting with a podiatrist or family practice doctor is often a good choice for toe pain.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Note how long your symptoms have lasted, any changes in pain or swelling, and any other health issues. Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to book your appointment, ask about the expected costs and any available payment options. The prices here are estimates and may vary.
  4. Seek Timely Care: If your pain worsens quickly, you develop fever, red streaks, or if your toe looks severely infected, seek care sooner, possibly even an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

Remember, getting professional care is the best way to protect your health and find relief. You’re taking a wise step toward healing.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.