Updated:
March 31, 2024
Foot and toe arthritis is a medical problem that involves the joints. This painful condition involving one or more joints can be caused by normal aging or “wear and tear,” by an injury, or by inflammatory diseases (gout, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). The most common joint associated with foot arthritis is the first big toe joint.
From sports injuries (turf toe) to genetic flat foot deformities, this joint has the highest incidence of arthritis. Patient symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness, all from the “joint jamming” and cartilage degeneration.
The pain is characterized as dull to sharp with the first few steps in the morning and also in the evening after increased activities or with minor relief as it is “warmed up” during light walking and massage.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the patient’s lifestyle and medical history, and other factors, big toe joint arthritis can be treated using conservative treatment or surgical treatment.
Oral anti-inflammatory medication can assist with easing chronic pain, but should not be considered as a permanent treatment for acute pain associated with arthritis.
Temporary arch supports, supportive athletic shoes, and custom-molded orthotic inserts are a great way to reduce the number of forces and excessive motion in the involved joints.
Physical therapy practices such as massage, cold therapy, contrast baths, stretching, ultrasound, and electric stimulation can all help ease the pain and treat big toe joint arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory medication can be injected directly into the joint where it can be most effective without becoming a problem to the rest of the body. These injections can be administered with very minimal discomfort.
During the surgical procedure for big toe joint preservation, detached cartilage is removed and the remaining bone is debrided or drilled to promote new cartilage growth. Additional joint decompression osteotomy, or shortening, to prevent joint jamming and increase range of motion.
The surgery is performed at an outpatient center or hospital facility with sedation and/or general anesthesia. Patients should be non-weight-bearing while wearing a removable CAM (controlled ankle motion) walker boot placing stabilizing pressure on the heel until the sutures are removed after 2 weeks.
Patients should follow an additional non-weight-bearing instruction for 2 more weeks, followed by partial weight-bearing and a gradual return to full weight-bearing with a supportive shoe in 4-6 weeks.
Detached cartilage is removed and the remaining bone is debrided or drilled to promote bone fusion with an internal plate and screws. Joint fusion is a permanent procedure, although reversal and joint replacement is possible for some fusion patients with poor outcomes.
The surgery is performed at an outpatient center or hospital facility with sedation and/or general anesthesia. Patients should not bear weight and use a removable CAM walker boot to add pressure on the heel until the sutures are removed at 2 weeks. Patients can weight bear at 2-3 weeks with the total joint implant.
Patients with the joint fusion procedure should allow for non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks, followed by partial weight-bearing and gradual return to full weight-bearing with a supportive shoe in 8-12 weeks.
Navigating the complexities of insurance coverage for big toe joint pain/arthritis can be daunting. However, at Modern Foot & Ankle, we strive to simplify this process for our patients. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, understanding that coverage is crucial for the timely and effective treatment of foot conditions.
Our team is dedicated to verifying your benefits and ensuring you understand your coverage details before proceeding with treatment. For a comprehensive list of accepted insurance providers and more details on insurance coverage, please visit our insurance page.
Choosing the right care for big toe arthritis and related toe joint pain is essential. At Modern Foot & Ankle, we pride ourselves on offering specialized, patient-centered care that sets us apart.
Our team of specialists is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot conditions, including big toe joint pain and arthritis. Their expertise ensures the most effective treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
We utilize the latest medical advancements to relieve pain and reduce pain, from conservative methods like shoe inserts to surgical treatment options like joint replacement surgery and joint fusion.
Understanding that each case of big toe pain and joint pain is unique, we offer personalized care plans designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
From initial consultation to post-treatment care, our comprehensive services ensure continuous support. Visit our services page for extensive resources on big toe arthritis, hallux rigidus, and other conditions.
Our clinics are equipped with modern facilities and technology to diagnose and treat toe joint pain effectively, ensuring comfort and convenience for our patients.
We provide detailed assistance with insurance coverage, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need without financial stress.
Empowering our patients through education about their condition, including the causes of stiff big toe and big toe bone spur issues, is a priority. We offer guidance on the prevention and long-term management of foot health.
The information on our website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health-related concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Please note that any reliance on the information found on our site is solely at your own risk. For more details, please see our Medical Disclaimer.
Arthritis in the big toe can be managed with orthotics, medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as joint preservation, replacement, or fusion.
End-stage arthritis, or hallux rigidus, is characterized by significant joint damage, severe pain, and limited mobility, often necessitating surgical treatment for relief.
Surgical options include joint preservation to remove damaged cartilage, joint replacement with an artificial implant, or joint fusion to relieve pain by permanently fusing the joint bones.
Physical therapy can alleviate arthritis symptoms in the big toe through massage, stretching, and other treatments, although its effectiveness varies with the condition's severity.
New treatments involve minimally invasive surgeries and advanced joint replacement materials designed to preserve natural movement and improve patient outcomes.
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