Moving around or playing sports, the big toe is essential for balance and forward movement, but also bears the majority of stress caused by daily activities. When walking, the big toe is the last part of the foot to leave the ground and is necessary for propulsion. As a result, pain in the big toe is even more unpleasant during everyday activities. Foot injuries in the big toe area are common and can be attributed to many different causes. Some frequent problems with the big toe include bunions, arthritis, ingrown toe nails, and trauma.
Bunions
Inflammations of the bursal sac or bony growths on the first toe, bunions are a leading cause of big toe joint pain. When the big toe is pushed inward by ill-fitting or pointed shoes, the tissues surrounding the joint become swollen and tender, creating a bunion. Over time, wearing ill-fitting shoes causes the big toe to shift toward the other toes. Constant irritation of the bunion against shoes causes walking to become painful and difficult. Bunion treatment is highly personalized depending on the severity of the problem and ranges from corrective orthotics to bunion surgery.
Left untreated, bunions can develop into arthritis or bursitis, which lead to chronic foot pain in daily life.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the first toe joint, referred to as Hallux Limitus or Hallux Rigidus depending on the severity, causes big toe joint pain and stiffness. When standing or walking for long periods of time, the joint will produce a sharp jolt of pain to the big toe that makes daily movement uncomfortable. Generally big toe arthritis is seen in the elderly from lifetime joint usage and people who spend excessive time squatting or on their toes. As the joint deteriorates the big toe begins to hurt not only when moving, but also at rest. Depending on the severity and progression of the arthritis, there are both conservative and surgical treatment options.
Ingrown Toenails
When the first toe nail begins to grow into the surrounding skin, the big toe experiences extreme discomfort and is more susceptible to infections. Ingrown toenails can be caused by many factors; cutting the nail too short, ill-fitting shoes, injury, fungal infections, and hereditary predisposition are some of the most common reasons for big toenail pain. Although painful, ingrown nail treatment is relatively easy if caught early. An Epsom salt soak and avoiding constricting socks and shoes for several days can treat most minor ingrown toenails. An easy in office procedure can prevent future issues.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails worsen; the affected area where the skin covers the nail can become infected and require surgical intervention.
Trauma
Big toe trauma comes from many causes, including sports, falling objects, and unfortunate accidents. Like any part of the body, the big toes can be fractured and sprained by overuse. The extent of damage varies greatly from a cracked nail to a broken big toe. Injury severity determines the best course of action for recovery.
Don’t let big toe pain mess with your stride. Visit the podiatrists at East Ocean Podiatry to solve your big toe pain and create a custom recovery plan. Call our office at 954-828-2601 to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and surrounding Florida communities.