Mr Stuart A Metcalfe BSc(Hons), MPhil, FRCPod(S)
CONSULTANT PODIATRIC SURGEON
FELLOW ROYAL COLLEGE OF PODIATRY
BIG TOE JOINT PAIN
In this page I want to explain what might be causing big toe joint pain. This is one of the most common problems seen in my clinic. The causes are many and getting to the right diagnosis is critical to the successful treatment of big toe joint pain.
Possibly the most common disease to affect the big toe joint is that of "osteoarthritis". This is where the joint cartilage wears away.
One of the early features of problems in the big toe joint is when the joint becomes stiff. Here the joint does not bend upwards as much as it should.
With time the gouty flares lead to total destruction of the bog toe joint
Possibly the most common disease to affect the big toe joint is that of "osteoarthritis". This is where the joint cartilage wears away.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF BIG TOE JOINT PAIN?
The causes for big toe joint pain could quite literally fill a medical textbook. I have listed some of the more common causes seen in my own clinic. Feel free to click on any links to find out more:
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Arthritis (osteo) of the big toe joint
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Infection
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Sesamoiditis
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY APPOINTMENT?
The very first thing that needs to happen is for the diagnosis to be confirmed and this is done through a very detailed history and clinical examination. Because some of the causes of big toe joint pain can be related to conditions that effect the whole body, Mr Metcalfe may well decide to arrange some investigations such as:
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X-ray
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Ultrasound / MRI
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Blood tests
WHAT TREATMENT WILL I BE OFFERED?
Mr Metcalfe will decide on the best treatment for your big toe joint pain in discussion with you based on his clinical findings. The aim is to get patients back to full activity and pain free as quickly as possible. Possible treatments include:
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Biomechanical assessment & orthotics
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Joint injections
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Medicines such as anti-inflammatories
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Surgery
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Cheilectomy
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Joint resurfacing
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Joint replacement
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