Don’t Ignore Pain in the Big Toe

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Have you noticed pain or aching in the joint of your big toe? Are certain activities like squatting or running less comfortable? Do you see any swelling or inflammation around the base of the big toe? If so, you may have the early signs of arthritis in this joint and ignoring these big toe symptoms may lead to big trouble. At Texas Foot Specialists we know that although most of our patients may not spend much time thinking about the big toe, it’s essential for basic daily activities like walking, standing, climbing and bending down. To prevent crippling disability, it’s essential to treat this condition in its earliest stages.

Hallux Limitus vs. Hallux Rigidus

Hallux refers to the big toe. Limitus and Rigidus describe the degree of severity of this degenerative arthritic condition. In the initial stages, the symptoms indicate “limitus,” meaning that the motion of the toe is somewhat limited. But as this condition progresses, it can become “rigidus” or frozen in place. When this occurs, treatment possibilities are much more complex and include surgical options like joint implants and joint fusion.

Non-Surgical Interventions

If caught early, non-surgical options may be all that is needed to treat this condition.  That’s why the best course of action is to contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) offices for an appointment as soon as you notice any changes in the range of motion of your big toe or pain in the area. Our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum will examine your toe and foot and test its range of motion. X-rays may also be ordered to help determine the amount of arthritis present and also to see if any bone spurs or other abnormalities have developed as well.

Early-stage treatment options include several conservative measures such as:

  • Medications—oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to alleviate inflammation and pain

  • Shoe changes—choosing styles with a roomy toe box will reduce pressure on your toe. Sometimes stiff or rocker-bottom soles may be helpful.

  • Orthotics—if the cause of your arthritis is linked to a biomechanical defect, a custom orthotic device can improve the functionality of your foot.

  • Physical therapy

If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in your big toe, don’t delay. Contact us today for a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.