While the joints in your toes are small, they’re very important.
Over time, the joints in your toes endure a lot of weight, bearing stress throughout the days and years. If you are experiencing joint pain in your toe, it’s important not to overlook it. Here are three common causes of joint pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis, or Hallux Rigidus, is the stiffening of the big toe joint. The big toe joint bends every time you take a step –and when it becomes stiff, it can cause pain as well as difficulty walking. You might also develop spurs on your bone–which are often confused with bunions. However the spurs are formed on the top of the joint, where bunions are formed on the inside.
Gout
Gout is a common condition that affects the big toe joint. It occurs when the urate in our body is not processed properly and forms crystals. These crystals form around the joints and cause inflammation and pain. If left untreated, gout can lead to “Gouty arthritis.” Your doctor will help determine the best course of action depending on the severity of the gout.
Bunions
Bunions are also among the most common causes of big toe joint pain. Bunions occur at the base of the big toe and are the result of uneven weight support often caused by improperly fitting footwear. Bunions are form as hard knobs on the side of your foot and are not growths, but rather the result of a big toe that has been dispositioned for too long. Bunions can come in all different sizes.
While mild aches and pains are normal after a long day on our feet, if you are experiencing persistent and regular joint pain, it’s important to seek care from a professional podiatrist. Your podiatrist will be able to diagnose the cause of the pain and prescribe a treatment plan that’s right for you.
If you are experiencing toe joint pain contact Houston podiatrist, Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.
Tags: Foot Care, Joint Pain, Toe