Our feet provide support and strength to our legs and play a crucial role in movement and function.
Without healthy foot joints, muscles, and tendons, the entire foundation of our legs becomes compromised.
The big toe, also referred to as thehallux, helps stabilize the entire foot and provides balance.
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OA of the big toe can cause pain, swelling, and joint stiffness, leading to movement problems.
This article discusses symptom management and treatment options for osteoarthritis of the big toe.
This is often referred to ashallux rigidus.
This deformity causes a bony overgrowth on the side of the big toe.
Often, the toe will start to turn toward the other toes, as opposed to being straight.
In fact there aremany different causesof big toe pain.
Getting to the underlying cause of the pain and discomfort is key when seeking appropriate and effective treatment.
However, the most common cause of big toe pain is in fact osteoarthritis.
OA, often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, can develop after injury or lifelong activity.
Dietary modifications coupled with regular aerobic exercise is the most effective way to sustain long-term weight loss.
However, the truth is that continued movement and exercise can actually help maintain near normal range of motion.
Chronic stretching and exercise, when done properly, can help improve symptoms as well.
NSAIDs can also reduce inflammation within the first MTP joint, further improving symptoms.
The procedure involves the removal ofdorsal osteophytes(bone spurson the top part of the metatarsal head).
The procedure is considered joint sparing, because it maintains the range of motion of the joint.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesisof the first MTP is currently considered the gold standard of treatment for severe osteoarthritis.
Arthrodesis consists of fusing the bones that make up the MTP joint, essentially eliminating the joint itself.
Arthroplasty
Arthroplastyis a surgical procedure that aims to restore the function of the toe joint.
In some cases, arthroplasty may actually increase a person’s range of motion of the big toes.
This surgery has evolved throughout history from the use of silicone implants to metal implants to synthetic cartilage implants.
A synthetic implant is placed at the head of the first metatarsal, restoring a smooth joint surface.
These include:
Treating hallux rigidus is more effective if started when symptoms are mild.
More complex and sometimes limited surgical options may be needed.
Prognosis is good if symptoms are treated early.
There are numerous nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for hallux rigidus.
If necessary, surgical procedures like cheilectomy, arthrodesis, arthroplasty, and synthetic cartilage implants can be considered.
Though symptoms may be minor, they can lead to severe pain and limited mobility.
Several surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are available to provide symptom relief.
Walking with proper footwear or orthotic inserts is good for osteoarthritis of the big toe.
Walking can aid in weight loss, which takes some of the strain off joints and keeps joints mobile.
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