Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypes and CausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Types and Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Arthritis in the toes is chronic inflammation of the joints in theforefoot. The joint most often affected is themetatarsophalangeal(MTP) joint, which connects the big toe to the rest of the foot. Symptoms of toe arthritis are similar to those ofarthritisthat affects other joints: tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
The most common causes of toe arthritis are wear and tear (degeneration) of the cartilage that cushions the bones that form joints, as occurs inosteoarthritis(OA) andrheumatoid arthriti(RA).People with arthritis in toes have various treatment options, including medications and lifestyle practices like walking.
This article discusses toe arthritis, its symptoms, and its types and causes. It also explores diagnosis and treatment options.
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Symptoms of Toe Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis in toes may come and go or be persistent and debilitating. You may wake up one morning with pain and swelling in one or more toes, or you may notice a gradual progression of mild achiness to increasing discomfort and changes in the appearance of your toes over time.
Your symptoms will depend, in part, on the type or cause of your toe arthritis. The first sign of arthritis in the toes is usually stiffness in the joint. You may also experience:
Types and Causes of Toe Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis. Among them:
Certain conditions are associated with arthritis and can either cause the condition or develop as a result of the condition. These include:
Risk factors for toe arthritis include obesity, as excess pounds can stress weight-bearing joints, and frequent and prolonged wearing of tight-fitting high-heeled shoes.There also is some indication that toe arthritis can run in families.
What Is End-Stage Arthritis in the Toe?End-stage arthritis in the toe refers to the advanced phase of arthritis when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the toe joint wears away completely. At this point, the bones will grind against each other, resulting in severe pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
What Is End-Stage Arthritis in the Toe?
End-stage arthritis in the toe refers to the advanced phase of arthritis when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the toe joint wears away completely. At this point, the bones will grind against each other, resulting in severe pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
Diagnosing Toe Arthritis
If you experience symptoms of toe arthritis, you can see your regular healthcare provider, although an orthopedic specialist may be able to diagnose you most expediently. The diagnostic process will likely involve:
Treatment of Toe Arthritis
Treatment for arthritis of the toes almost always begins with simple steps. Rarely is it necessary to immediately jump to surgical correction.
Cold and Heat Therapy
For significant inflammation, especially after activity or a long day on your feet,icingcan deter blood flow and relieve swelling and redness. Before activity, the application of heat can warm and loosen muscles in the lower foot allowing for easier movement of the toes.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Oralnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications(NSAIDs) can help relieve swelling and also alleviate discomfort associated with toe arthritis.
These drugs commonly include over-the-counter medications like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), but may sometimes include prescription medications like Celebrex (celecoxib), Voltaren (diclofenac), or nabumetone.
Medications may be taken regularly to prevent and control pain or only when arthritis flares up.
Some studies show thatturmeric, an herb from the ginger family, may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help with arthritis pain.Always discuss any new medications or herbs with your healthcare provider as there are always possible side effects.
Gout Treatments
Gout is usually treated with a combination of different medications. Medications that help treat pain and inflammation include:
You may also be given a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which helps control uric acid. These medications include:
Uricosurics may be given to help your kidneys filter uric acid. These include:
Cortisone Injection
Aninjection of cortisoneputs a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly at the site of inflammation. While cortisone injections around the toes are sometimes uncomfortable, they can lead to very rapid and effective pain relief. The results tend not to be permanent, but if you have a significant flare up that does not settle down with other treatment, a cortisone injection may offer dramatic improvement.
Footwear
Invest in high-quality shoes and devices that provide arch support, shock absorption, and other features that can help to protect toes and prevent exacerbation of toe arthritis symptoms. Consider the following:
The advantage of a custom insert is that it can correct biomechanics at specific problematic joints while allowing as much normal foot movement as possible. Special rocker-bottom soles can be also be attached to shoes and help provide normal movement as you walk.
Lifestyle Modifications
Maintaining a healthy body weight may be key to both preventing and treating arthritis in general; Studies show that people with a relatively high body weight develop arthritis at younger ages are prone to more severe arthritis.
Extra pounds put more force on your joints, leading to wear and tear, and can also cause more inflammation throughout the body. For people with obesity, aweight lossof just 10% of body weight can result in significant improvement in symptoms.
Joint pain and obesity
In addition to losing weight,physical therapyand specific exercises can help with foot pain.
In general, regular moderate exercise helps maintain joint function while reducing pain and fatigue and relieving stiffness. Walking can be good for toe arthritis, as it can help improve joint mobility.
Talk with your physical therapist to determine what exercise would be best with the least wear and tear.
Surgery
Although seldom necessary, there are a number of surgical procedures for treating arthritis in the toes.
Causes of pain at the big-toe joint
Summary
Arthritis in the toes can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness making it difficult to stay on your feet. Causes may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, or gout.
Arthritis in the toes may be treated with heat and cold therapy, NSAIDs, injections, or special footwear. Lifestyle modifications such as losing weight can also help. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.
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