Big Toe Joint Pain (Arthritis)
This series of educational material is a broad overview of foot problems, and not as detailed as an actual podiatrist visit. I recommend you to see a podiatrist for professional evaluation of your foot and ankle problems. This is for educational purposes only.
This material is from my own experiences seeing patients. Other podiatrists may have different recommendations. Each examination has nuances and details too small to mention in this type of presentation.
What is Big Toe Joint Pain (Arthritis)?
Pain in the joint of the big toe comes from 3 main problems. An extra (sesamoid) bone causing irritation, joint break down (arthritis), and history of trauma/injury that caused the joint to break down.
Causes
If the big toe joint pain is caused by arthritis or an extra bone then the cause is genetic. If caused by a history of trauma then the cause was trauma.
Symptoms
Pain with movement of the big toe joint.
Pain in the big toe joint bending it up and or down.
Treatment
Xrays are important to diagnose this problem.
Treatment for extra bone:
Xrays to determine existence of extra bone.
Remove the extra bone with surgery.
Treatment for Arthritis:
Xrays to determine extent of problem.
If mild consider steroid injection or NSAIDs.
Stiff soled shoe to prevent bending at the big toe joint.
If severe surgery to fuse the big toe joint.
Treatment for History of Trauma:
Xrays to determine extent of problem.
If mild consider steroid injection and NSAIDs.
Stiff soled shoe to prevent bending of the big toe joint.
If severe fuse the big toe joint.
I hope this educational article has been helpful for you. Feel free to share it with family and friends.
https://afootdoctor.net/hallux-arthritis-big-toe-joint-arthritis