It is most likely that it is being compressed in the foot if the toe is the only location affected. This compression can be caused by many causes, but inflammation and changes in the bones are the most common. This can happen because of poor fitting shoes or other trauma. Shoe orthotics or inserts are often required.
The term cellulitis is commonly used to indicate a nonnecrotizing inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, a process usually related to acute infection that does not involve the fascia or muscles. Cellulitis is characterized by localized pain, swelling, tenderness, erythema, and warmth.
Symptoms of Cellulitis: Introduction. Symptoms of cellulitis include swelling, redness, inflammation, and pain or tenderness in the infected area of skin, which may grow in size. There can also be bruising, a hot or warm feeling to the infected skin, fever and headache. Red lines may appear on the skin.