The usual location where arthritis in the foot typically develops is at the center of the big toe. This is why many individuals have a stiff big toe. The joint in this area is known as the MTP joint. This joint is considered vital since it has to flex with each step that the individual takes. In case the joint starts to harden, walking will be difficult and painful. Just like with other joints, the bone ends are covered by the smooth articular cartilage. Due to wear and tear or injury on the articular cartilage, the bone ends will later on rug against each other. This can lead to the development of an overgrowth or bone spur on the top part of the bone. As a result, the toe could no longer bend when walking which leads to a stiff big toe.
A stiff big toe typically develops among adults between 30-60 years old. It is still not known why it develops in some and not on others. This condition can develop due to an injury to the toe that damages the articular cartilage or abnormalities in the foot anatomy that adds stress on the joint.
What are the symptoms?
- There is pain in the joint when the individual is active, particularly when pushing off on the toes when walking.
- Swelling around the joint.
- Stiffness in the great toe and inability to bend it up or down.
- A bump that develops on the top part of the foot.
Diagnosing stiff big toe
If the individual finds it hard to bend the toe up and down or walking on the outside of the foot due to pain in the toe, a doctor must be consulted. Stiff big toe is easier to manage when detected early. In case the individual waits until a bony bump on the top of the foot develops, it indicates the development of bone spurs and the condition is hard to treat.
The doctor will assess the foot and check for indications of bone spurs. The doctor will move the toe around to check the degree of motion possible without triggering pain. An x-ray will reveal the size and location of any bone spurs as well as the degree of degeneration in the cartilage and joint space.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment
Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers can help minimize the swelling and ease the pain. You can also apply an ice pack or encourage the individual to take contrast baths to reduce the inflammation and manage the symptoms temporarily. Just remember though these will not stop the condition from progressing. If you will enroll in a first aid class today, you can readily ease the symptoms.
A contrast bath involves alternating hot and cold water to minimize the inflammation. Two buckets are needed with one containing cold water and the other with warm water as tolerated by the individual. The individual should immerse the foot in cold water for 30 seconds and then place it immediately in warm water for 30 seconds. Continue alternating between cold and hot for 5 minutes and ending with cold water. The contrast bath can be done up to 3 times in a day.
The individual can wear a shoe with a roomy toe box to reduce the pressure on the toe. The doctor will recommend the use of stiff-soled shoes with a roller or rocker base designs. These shoes will support the foot when walking as well as reducing the amount of bend in the big toe.