Don’t Ignore Big Toe Pain
The joint at the base of your big toe takes a beating each day. It has to bend with each step you take, gets jammed when you make quick stops or twisting motions, and deals with added stress when placed in high heeled shoes.
While occasional pain in the big toe may occur from the daily grind, constant pain in your big toe joint could be a warning sign of a progressive, arthritic condition known as “hallux rigidus”. “Hallux” refers to the big toe, while “rigidus” indicates the toe is rigid and cannot move. In early stages, when movement is only somewhat restricted, it is sometimes called “hallux limitus”. This joint stiffness gets worse over time, making it difficult for you to walk, stoop or stand for long periods of time.
Hallux rigidus may run in the family but can also be caused by repetitive stress from workplace or sports activities. Tradesmen who crouch and stoop a lot and avid golfers and tennis players are more prone to getting hallux rigidus. An injury, such as a severe stubbing of the big toe, can also be the culprit for the condition.
It’s best to have your toe examined when you first notice pain while walking, standing, squatting or bending over. If recognized and addressed early, this condition can be improved with conservative treatment such as shoe modifications, orthotic devices, medications, injection therapy and physical therapy. But when the disease progresses and conservative attempts fail, surgery may be required to repair the damage from this painful condition.
If you’re suffering from toe pain, give my office a call for an examination.
