People of all ages and all walks of life visit our clinics’ lower limb clinicians for help with foot and lower limb pain and discomfort. BioPed’s multidisciplinary team of Certified Pedorthists, Footcare Nurses and Registered Chiropodists enjoy providing care for new clients and for those they have known for years. The goal for all clients is increased comfort and improved function in life.
Some of our clients have been navigating the challenges of big toe joint pain for years. From discomfort to a transformative path to relief, let’s learn about a particular BioPed client’s story; one of resilience and recovery!
This particular client made an appointment with one of our lower limb clinicians because of pain in their right big toe joint. The pain did not occur suddenly, it progressively worsened over a couple years. When they arrived for their initial assessment, they were unable to walk without pain and because of this, put more weight onto the left foot to avoid discomfort.
What are bunions and why do they cause pain in the big toe?
During the assessment, there was a discussion about their medical history and foot pain, and both feet were examined. A significant bump on the side of the right big toe, and callus on the bottom of the foot was discovered. This bump or bony prominence on the big toe joint is called a bunion. Bunions develop over time as the joint becomes misaligned. It’s common for osteoarthritis to set in as joint degeneration occurs, limiting the range of motion of the joint and how well it functions when walking. Callus is hardened and thickened skin that forms because of the way the foot moves in relation to the ground.
How do bunions develop?
A biomechanical assessment and gait analysis was carried out to determine the best way to address this client’s pain and discomfort. A flattened arch on both feet was noted, and more so on the right. The arch of the foot will flatten when excess pronation or “rolling in” occurs. Consequently, more pressure is placed on the side of the big toe joint. A treatment plan was created, which included custom foot orthotics, new footwear and medical footcare. Orthotics provide needed arch support, redistribute pressure on the bottom of the foot and improve balance when walking. Footwear with a rocker bottom sole encourages momentum forward, which is effective in offloading the pressure on and movement in this important joint of the foot.
Treatment Options for Bunions and Big Toe Joint Pain
The goal of treatment was increased stability and control of foot overpronation to relieve pain and discomfort. A referral was made to the Footcare Nurse in the clinic, for treatment of the callus build-up on the bottom of the foot. Consistent routine foot care to keep the callus at bay, custom foot orthotics and appropriate footwear are an excellent combination to help make walking more efficient, balanced and comfortable. Custom foot orthotics often require a break-in or adjustment period, but for this client, their pain started to improve with their first steps. Their big toe joint pain dissipated quickly to become mild and under control and the need to put more weight on the opposite/left side decreased as they felt significant relief!
What can you do at home to help?
For clients suffering with discomfort between the big and second toe, there are toe separators and sleeves that can be worn to protect the skin and to act as a cushion. BioPed Footcare clinics also carry a bunion night splint, and daytime aligner sleeve that can be worn with footwear, to help straighten the big toe and relieve pressure between toes. It’s important to maintain the health of your skin by applying moisturizer on a regular basis, using one that contains urea, if calluses and corns are a concern.
Book an appointment!
Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is irreversible once it has developed, but it can be managed well with the modalities mentioned above, plus other options available at BioPed. If you are suffering with joint pain or any other type of lower body pain, call BioPed Footcare today to make an appointment to discuss treatment options designed specifically for you to help you do more in life!