Big toe joint pain can be caused by injuries, overuse, structural differences, or inflammatory diseases. Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis that causes stiffness and pain in the joint, and can be diagnosed through physical examination and X-rays. Treatment includes medication, ice, special shoes, or surgery.
The exact causes of big toe joint pain are uncertain. Experts suggest potential causes could include previous injuries or overuse of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Some individuals, such as people with fallen arches, may be more susceptible due to small structural differences. Big toe joint pain could also be a symptom of an inflammatory disease, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. This condition typically occurs in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
The medical term for big toe joint pain is hallux rigidus, and the term hallux limitus might be used for less severe cases. This condition is a form of degenerative arthritis characterized by a stiff or “frozen” joint that no longer bends comfortably due to the loss of protective cartilage between the bones. Joint degeneration occurs due to bone-on-bone friction, and the formation of bone spurs or bone growths occurs in more advanced cases. Because the MTP joint naturally bends every time the individual takes a step, stiffness in the joint eventually leads to big toe joint pain when walking. Other symptoms, which are sometimes worse in cold, wet weather, could include swelling around the big toe joint, inability to bend the big toe up or down, or a bump forming on top of the foot caused by bone spurs.
While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact cause, some individuals may develop joint pain in the big toe due to traumatic injury to the joint that leads to degeneration of the cartilage between the bones. An example of such an injury would be hitting your big toe on furniture. People whose occupations require frequent bending over or squatting may be at increased risk of developing this condition through chronic overuse of the MTP joint.
Big toe joint pain is diagnosed through physical examination of the foot. This exam should be done by an expert such as an orthopedic specialist. X-rays might also be used to evaluate internal damage to the joint and view any bone spurs that have formed.
Treatment for this condition involves efforts to temporarily reduce the painful symptoms. This could include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, special shoes or orthotic devices, or cortisone injections. In severe cases, surgery to remove bone spurs, fuse the MTP joint together, or replace the joint with a plastic or metal artificial joint may be recommended.
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