Posts for tag: Ease the Pain
The most common site of arthritis in the foot is at the base of the big toe. This joint is called the first metatarsophalangeal joint or 1st MTPJ. This joint is especially important because it must bend every time a step is taken. If the joint starts to stiffen walking can become painful, difficult, or changes can occur in the walking pattern. The 1st MTPJ is made up of two bone ends, each covered by smooth cartilage. Normal wear and tear or injury can cause damage to the cartilage that protects the ends of bones. This causes the bones to rub together and can lead to a bone spur (bone overgrowth). Spurs can prevent the toe from normal function and range of movement. The result is a stiff big toe known as hallux rigidus.
Hallux rigidus typically develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years. Typical symptoms include pain in the joint with activity, swelling around the joint, a bump on the top of the toe, or stiffness in the big toe and inability to bend it up or down. It is not know why this appears in some people and not in others. It may be due to injury or a foot structure that increases stress on the joint. Hallux rigidus is easier to treat when diagnosed early. If you have difficulty bending your toe up and down, or notice you are walking on the inside of your foot see your podiatrist right away. Waiting until a bony bump on the top of the toe develops or the toe cannot bend can cause greater treatment difficulties.
After a foot examination and maybe x-rays, your podiatrist can determine the correct treatment. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to ease the pain. Using ice packs and contrast baths (alternating cold and hot water) may also help reduce inflammation and control the pain. If hallux rigidus is caught early, wearing shoes with a large toe box, rocker bottom design, or orthotics may be all that is needed. Many times surgery is necessary to correct this condition. There are three main types of surgery used. A cheilectomy removes bone spurs and small pieces of bone to allow the more room for the toe to bend. Arthrodesis is accomplished by fusing the bones together and recommended when sever damage to cartilage exists. An arthroplasty is typically used for older patients who have few functional demands. In this surgery, the joint is replaced to reduce pain and preserve motion.
By Dr. Scott Hamilton of Coastal Podiatry Associates, Myrtle Beach SC.