Five Symptoms Of Big Toe Arthritis - The Texas Foot Specialists

Symptoms of Big Toe Arthritis

Symptoms of big toe arthritis vary according to the stage you are in. Below are signs that you might already be suffering from the foot condition:

1. Pain that come with foot movements such as walking and disappears during rest

2. Swelling, tenderness at the bottom of the big toe

3. Stiffness or limited movement in the big toe

4. Pain or discomfort in the big toe area when wearing high heels or shoes that place extra pressure in the area

5. Pain or stiffness when exposed to cold temperatures

How can I get big toe arthritis?

Leading causes of big toe arthritis includes joint damage resulting from normal wear and tear and structural foot deformities such as those with fallen arches, high or low arches. In some cases, people have a higher risk of developing big toe arthritis as a result of inheriting certain foot types.  People who actively engage in sports and do not wear appropriate shoe wear expose the toe joint to high levels of stress. It can also result from injury or caused by inflammatory diseases such as gout or arthritis.

•  Injury
• Genetics
• Poor foot mechanics (flat feet, high and low arches
• Wear and tear
• Chronic inflammatory diseases (arthritis or gout)
• Long first or short second metatarsal bone

Hallux rigidus or big toe arthritis happens when the joint at the base of the big toe (hallux) stiffens (rigidus) severely limiting its movement. It is progressive arthritic condition that affects the toes motion. The big toe’s mobility gradually decreases until it has lost all range of movement.

A quick visit to the podiatrist could help determine if you are at high risk for developing big toe arthritis.  Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists are podiatrist that specialize in  detecting big toe arthritis and other foot disorders.

Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of recovering fully from big toe arthritis and stopping it from progressing into something more severe. This makes visiting a podiatrist at the earliest sign of the foot condition essential. When bone spurs have developed or a noticeable deformity has already occurred, surgical intervention might be the only treatment option available.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

The Joys and Pain of Ballet Dancing, Trigger Toes Explained

Dancing and ballet in particular is an activity that demands great physical strength in the feet and toes. Ballet dancers often have to support their weight only using their toes for long periods of time.  When you’ve got the whole force of your body pressing against a single point then toe injury is just around the corner.

“En pointe” or standing on your toes is a discipline required by ballet dancers. When pressure is concentrated on the big toe, it can injure the flexor hallucis longus muscle which is responsible for flexing the big toe.

Do you have trigger toe?

Although trigger toe is a foot condition commonly found among ballet dancers, it is also a condition found in non-ballet dancers. As long as the conditions for developing a trigger toe is met, almost anyone can suffer from the condition.

Symptoms of trigger toe include pain that is usually mild at first and steadily worsens as the condition progresses. For ballet dancers, pain is triggered when performing the en pointe position and is immediately relieved through rest or when weight is taken off the feet.

People suffering from a trigger toe may experience a clicking sensation when moving the toes. Sometimes it may be necessary for you to use your hands to move or flex the big toe.  

A visit to a podiatrist is recommended when the first signs of a trigger toe is observed. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specializes in helping people with trigger toes.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options may differ according to the severity of the condition. An ice pack can be used to reduce pain and swelling.

Conservative treatments can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for immediate relief of inflammation.

Foot strengthening exercises can also be used before a dancer proceeds into more complex steps such as the en pointe position. This is to strengthen the arch and decrease the pressure on the big toe.

Sometimes a weight management program is advised to reduce the weight load on the feet.

For severe cases, surgery is recommended for releasing the tendon and restore normal functioning. 

Cases of trigger toes are rare especially for those who don’t engage in ballet. However, trigger toes will always be a huge concern for ballet dancers. The chances for a full recovery is high and ballet dancers with a history of trigger toes can resume their career.

At The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people with trigger toes.  To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.