Sudden onset of pain in the big toes is often caused by gout which
is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint of the big toe.
The crystals cause inflammation and pain in the joint.
However if the big toe pain has been present for a while or slowly
getting worse it may be the result of a condition called hallux rigidus
or hallux limitus. Hallux is the medical term for the big toe. Hallux
rigidus is a rigid big toe and hallux limitus is a big toe with limited
movement. Both hallux limitus and hallux limitus are most often the
result of osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) of the big toe. Hallux
limitus is an early form of hallux rigidus. In other words the limited
movement becomes no movement (rigid) if the condition is not treated.
Walk a few steps and pay close attention to what happens in the joint
at the base of your big toe. At the end of the step the joint at the
base of the big toe bends to almost a 90 degree angle and the big toe
is used to push off at the end of the step. The amount of force at this
joint can reach twice body weight during walking. It is no wonder why
this joint would be prone to wear and tear arthritis after being subjected
to twice the body weight over a million steps per year. However some
people are more prone to this condition than others. For some people
this condition may run in their family. Others may be prone to hallux
rigidus or limitus due to poor biomechanics when walking or running.
They may have excessive pronation (rolling-in)
of the arch as they step. This puts increased pressure on the big toe
joint.
It is important to diagnosis this condition early. Specially designed
orthotics can ease the pain in the joint and prevent further joint damage.
If you are experiencing the warning signs that include pain and stiffness
in the big toe during walking or stooping call for an appointment to
be analyzed using our exclusive C.A.F.F. system.
