Big Toe Arthritis : Hallux Rigidus / Limitus - A 'Step-by-Step' Guide

[@JujuPig-vz5mq]

My everyday ice bath helps the most with my arthritis pain and it tremendously does a wonderful job doing so.

[@PhysioMSK]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@kellys617]

Well my poor toes! Surgery is Friday 3 hammer toes to fix as well if you have advice on healing would be appreciated, this Alaska lady is happy i found out what it means. Thanks!

[@joemc111]

Great video, my wife’s big toe ,left foot, is stinging up. She just got some good shoes, Brooks Ariel. GTS 23, now if I can get her to get rid of the sandals.

[@Jacked2theTs]

The first time my big toe MTP pain started, was after wearing a new pair of work boots with metatarsal guards… They put pressure on the joint from above, and when the boot material creases, it pushes sharply into the top of the joint. Last 5 days has basically felt like I was walking around on a foot that felt like it had been whacked with a hammer. 🔨 😣

[@PhysioMSK]

That sounds like a metatarsalgia caused by repetitive trauma. You probably don’t have arthritis at all.

[@lovly2cu725]

mine happened around the time of a tumor l4 and L5 and sciatic pain to my big toe. I discovered it cracking while trying to bend it climbing stairs.

[@sharoncousins-clarke5858]

I have found that wearing wide toe box barefoot shoes help the most which goes against conventional wisdom.

[@PhysioMSK]

I’m guessing you probably have fairly good toe movement and therefore don’t need stiff soles. Wide shoes are often comfortable in the condition as they prevent the thickened joint from rubbing against the next door toe.

[@dreed1058]

I had metatarsal surgery, and cholectimy on big toe joint. I no longer have pain, but NUMBNESS since surgery last October! It is so frustrating, I use ice/heat nightly. Also have lower back problems, AND just had hip replacement surgery. I'm a mess, no surgeries until 67, then 4 in 2 yrs!! I don't know if the foot is nerve issues, but when I try to sleep it's MISERABLE!😢

[@PhysioMSK]

Yes it sounds like the nerve was irritated as a result of the operation. Nerve conduction tests would be needed to confirm. It’s a surgical risk I’m afraid. If it hasn’t improved by now then it’s unlikely to. You should get used to the numbness over time.

[@dreed1058]

@PhysioMSK Thk you soo much for your response! Podiatrist shrugged it off as arthritis (I'm sure it is). I just did an at home foot bath w/Epsom salts and kneaded and stretched it back and forth, and got a little relief! APPRECIATE YOU, new sub here!!

[@ehteshamraja332]

So basically there is no real cure, and one has to live with it...!!!

[@PhysioMSK]

You can’t cure osteoarthritis in any joint ie. You can’t reverse the changes seen on X-Ray. Symptoms can be managed and improved, often quite significantly. Surgery might be considered a cure in that it has the potential to take the pain away completely.

[@JujuPig-vz5mq]

​@@PhysioMSKexactly, surgery is really the only true 100% hopeful solution.

[@nathanfeldman8061]

I just got my toe fused!

[@ehteshamraja332]

@@nathanfeldman8061 so how's it going?

[@anitaitisanita8549]

@@nathanfeldman8061 I had my big toe fused in 2015. Fine for 6 years but today I regret it. Toes are vital for stride and balance, it changed my load bearing of big toe, more on the unfused side, it has caused a large bunion on the opposite foot. Today surgeons say better off having joint surgically cleaned out, only, not fused. I hope you are senior and its best for you. Not age 50.