If you read my blog regularly, you know I like exercising. I love walking, riding my stationary bike, and lifting weights., At age 71, I must keep myself in the best health possible.
Have you ever started walking, and your big toes feel frozen in place? They don’t want to move without pain. That’s what I am experiencing.
Just what I need, is one more area of my body that has arthritis. I can’t afford a doctor every time I have pain, so I decided that I had to do some research on my own.
Statistics of Big Toe Arthritis
Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis that occurs in the joint at the base of the big toe. People who have fallen arches or excessive pronation (rolling) of the ankle are more likely to develop hallux rigidus.
It most commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 and can be inherited from family members with biomechanical abnormalities.
If your job requires that you stoop and squat, that can increase stress on the toes, which can develop into arthritis of the big toe.
Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also cause arthritis of the big toe.
Early Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Pain and Stiffness When Walking
- Pain When Running
How Big Toe Arthritis Progresses
As the condition progresses, the toe’s motion decreases until the big toe becomes stiff. This condition is known as a “frozen joint.” You may have constant pain in the toe joint, even when resting.
You may put on weight because it is too painful to exercise. Other parts of your foot may be painful since you’re shifting your weight off the big toe. Knees, hips, and lower back may hurt due to changes in your walking gait, and you may start limping.
I notice when I am in bed at night that my big toes are so painful that I have to make sure the bedcovers are not touching them.
Seek Medical Treatment
Your doctor can sometimes diagnose hallux rigidus just by looking at your foot. Laboratory tests will be ordered to rule out or confirm the presence of gout or rheumatoid arthritis. An x-ray is usually required to determine the extent of the degeneration in the toe.
Try Non-Surgical Options First
Surgery is certainly an option, but your doctor may suggest you try non-surgical methods first. This is a very long list:
- Wear Orthotic Inserts
- Buy Stiff-Soled Shoes with a Wide Toe Box
- Stretch Your Calves
- Apply Ice
- Have a Cortisone Injection
- Take Ibuprofen
- Take glucosamine sulfate or chondroitin sulfate
- Have a shoe repair shop stretch your shoes
What helped me the most were wearing orthotic inserts, taking ibuprofen, and glucosamine chondroiton. I have tried having my shoes stretched, but they seem to wear out faster. Ice feels good, and I like to alternate with heat.
I have never had a cortisone injection in my big toe, but have had an injection in my knee and ankle. Unfortunately, I didn’t experience enough pain relief, but you may have a different result.
Summary
Pain from big toe arthritis can sap your energy, and you may not feel like exercising. Go through this list and see which tips will work best for you. If you are still experiencing pain, consult your doctor.
