The big toe joint is a well-used joint in the foot. Its main job is toeing off or propelling the body forward when walking. In a lifetime, the average human can walk around the world three times…this is a lot of wear and tear on our foot joints!
The big toe joint consists of the big toe or âhalluxâ and a long bone in the foot called the âfirst metatarsal.â Over time, wear and tear or improper movement of the foot cause a degeneration in the joint known as arthritis, or osteoarthritis (OA) to be precise. Arthritis in this joint can be quite painful and affect activities of daily living. Pain can occur at rest or when moving and is caused by a decrease in cartilage or cushioning in the joint, leading to bone-on-bone contact.
Oftentimes considered an elderly personâs disease, young people too can experience the discomfort of arthritis. Injury to a joint can cause this degenerative type of arthritis to occur earlier in life or much faster than it normally would. Bunions are a common foot issue that can run in a family and affect older and younger people alike. Lastly, a prominence or bump can also occur on the top of the big toe joint, restricting range of motion and resulting in a âjammingâ of the joint and OA.
Unfortunately, once OA is present in a joint, it will gradually worsen over time…this is the nature of degeneration. There are ways to lessen pain and discomfort associated with OA and possibly even slow the degenerative process down. Well-fitting and appropriate shoes provides support and cushioning, but can also take the pressure off of the big toe joint when walking. A ârocker bottomâ sole works to propel the body forward when walking and limit bending at a sore joint. Existing footwear can be modified in a BioPed clinic to do the same task. Custom foot orthotics may be recommended by your lower limb clinician to correct improper movement of the foot and can reduce pressure. OA tends to feel soothed by application of heat, not cold.
It is important to remember that pain signifies something is wrong. Do not ignore any type of pain, in your big toe joint or otherwise. Sudden onset pain in the big toe joint could be a sprain to a ligament known as âturf toeâ, a strain of a tendon or fracture of a bone. It could also be gout or an infection. You may need blood work or a prescription for medication from your family doctor or nurse practitioner to safely address these issues.
Contact your BioPed lower limb clinician today to schedule an assessment!
