What can cause toe joint pain?

Lots of things: Osteoarthritis is the most common cause, any other type of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout can effect the toes. Calluses, bunions, and ill fitting shoes can also contribute. The doctor can usually identify these problems by examining your feet, but sometimes x-rays or labs are needed.

Injury & arthritis: I'm assuming we are talking about the "daddy" toe. Injury, either new or old, degenerative arthritis, tight fitting shoes, inflammation do to gout, pseudogout, and more commonly psoriatic arthritis.