Big Toe Joint Pain

Hallux limitus/rigidus is a condition where the movement of your big toe joint gradually decreases over time. It is a form or osteoarthritis.

In the early stages, you might notice only a slight reduction in movement, but as it progresses, the joint can become stiff. This happens because the protective tissue around the joint, called cartilage, gets damaged, leading to extra bone formation that restricts movement and causes pain when walking.

Signs and symptoms:

• Pain at the top of your big toe joint, especially when you put weight on it
• Difficulty bending your big toe
• A bony lump or swelling on the top of your big toe joint that may hurt when it rubs against your shoe
• Numbness or tingling if the lump presses on your nerves

Causes:

There is no specific cause, but several factors can increase your risk:

• Injuries, like stubbing your toe
• Repetitive movements that put stress on the big toe joint, like squatting
• Changes in the shape of the bones in your foot
• Inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis
• Unsupportive or ill-fitting footwear
• Family history

How to help with big toe joint pain

There is no quick fix, but making simple changes can help manage the pain:

• Rest and elevate your foot
• Apply an ice pack to the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours
• Wear shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support
• Use insoles in your shoes
• Do regular stretching and foot exercises
• Try low-impact exercises like swimming
• Lose weight if needed

Things to avoid:

• Walking or standing for long periods
• Wearing high heels and tight, pointy shoes
• Wearing flip-flops or backless slippers
• Walking barefoot on hard surfaces

Choosing the right shoes:

Your big toe joint may not bend enough for certain shoes. High heels can add stress to the joint. Shoes with a stiffer sole and a curve at the front (toe spring) can be more comfortable and reduce stress on your feet.

Managing Pain:

Use a pain scale from 0-10 to identify your pain level. Aim to stay in the mild pain zone by pacing your activities. If you experience severe pain, you might be overdoing it and should reduce your activity level.

More information on osteoarthritis visit: Osteoarthritis

Images and videos reproduced with permission of NHS Lanarkshire.