The big toe (or hallux) is meant to provide additional leverage to the foot while walking, running, or keeping you active while helping maintain your overall balance and stability. Along with overuse, bunions and sesamoiditis are its most common ailments. Pain and discomfort from these conditions can make everyday activities more challenging. Pedifix.com has several treatment options for these conditions if you’re experiencing pain or stiffness in your big toe. As always, it’s essential to see your foot care specialist if your pain won’t go away.
The metatarsophalangeal or MTP joint attaches the base of the big toe to the foot. This joint supports the body and allows the toe to flex, acting as an anchor and brace point for walking or running. I’ll share a few of the most common causes of hallux pain and what warning signs you can look for.
A Bunion is a bony bump on the joint that can form when your big toe pushes unevenly against other toes. When this happens, the joint of your big toe can eventually get bigger and stick out uncomfortably from the side of the foot and your big toe even crossover towards the second toe. The skin over the bunion can appear red in color, sore and uncomfortable.
Sesamoiditis occurs when the tendons surrounding the sesamoid bones are injured or inflamed from overuse. This form of tendinitis causes limited mobility, swelling, and pain at the MTP joint.
Overuse can cause a stress fracture, which is a small crack in the bone that develops as a result of repetitive impact. Sprains are another common cause of foot and toe pain. A more severe sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint is called Turf toe. Web MD explains that Turf toe is caused by “jamming the big toe or repeatedly pushing off the big toe forcefully as in running and jumping.” All these injuries cause pain and swelling of the big toe and vary in pain level and recovery time.
A foot care specialist can help you diagnose the right care and treatment plan for these conditions. Anti-inflammatories, lifestyle changes, specialized treatment, or surgery are just a few options that might be recommended by your doctor, especially if an arthritic diagnosis is made.
If you have questions about any of the quality pain relief products from PediFix, please reach out to us at pedifix.com or by phone at 1-800-PEDIFIX (733-4349) to speak directly to a product specialist today.
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