What is Osteoarthritis Of The Big Toe?

Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative process that occurs within a joint and can be secondary to overuse. The exact cause is often unknown. This condition is sometimes described as ‘wear and tear’ in the joint.

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Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative process that occurs within a joint and can be secondary to overuse. The exact cause is often unknown. This condition is sometimes described as ‘wear and tear’ in the joint. It is a very common musculoskeletal pathology with over 303 million people suffering worldwide during 2017 (Kloppenburg et el, 2019). Osteoarthritis regularly affects the hips, knees and big toe. Although osteoarthritis is more common in older people, osteoarthritis of the big toe does also occur in younger people as well. It can be a very uncomfortable and debilitating condition.

Osteoarthritis pain can be associated with poor foot and lower limb biomechanics as well as muscle weakness and tightness. For example, we often find people with painful big toes have tight calves. This can place excessive pressure on the big toe when you walk.

How do I know if I have an arthritic big toe joint?

Osteoarthritis in the big toe usually builds up slowly over a long period of time (several months). On occasion, the pain can come on suddenly if you ‘stub’ your toe or drop something on it. It is not uncommon that the pain fluctuates somewhat.

It is not always clear why a joint suddenly becomes painful but it can be associated with a sudden increase in activity such as hill walking, starting a new exercise/sport or wearing new shoes (particularly high heels). These flare-ups do normally settle by themselves if you rest from the aggravating activity for a few weeks and wear sensible lace-up shoes or supportive trainers. If it lasts for several months we would suggest you seek further help.

An inflamed osteoarthritic big toe will be painful if you touch it, move it up and down and will often appear swollen or ‘puffy’. It can also be stiffer than the other side and you may also notice a change in the shape of the joint.

When you have a painful swollen joint, this is because the joint becomes inflamed. This is known as a joint ‘synovitis’. A synovitic joint can be very uncomfortable and painful when you walk and can result in a limp. We also see it in runners particularly those running long distances.

Research suggests that maintaining good flexibility and strength around the joint will help to slow disease progression however this does not give you a new joint (Hunter et al, 2009).