I have a stiff or painful
big toe joint

There may be no obvious cause for pain or stiffness at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint). However, there is sometimes a history of a bad stubbing or crushing injury. The commonest cause is wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, which in this location is known as hallux limitus or hallux rigidus. It is often accompanied by bony lumps around the joint, which can be confused with a bunion. Cartilage separating from the bone surface (osteochondritis dissecans) can also cause pain in the joint. When this occurs following a stubbing injury, our American counterparts call it 'turf toe'.

If the pain is under the ball of the big toe rather than in the joint itself, the problem might be due to inflammation, osteoarthritis, or injury of the two baked bean sized sesamoid (floating) bones which form the ball of the big toe (big toe sesamoiditis). Occasionally, irritation of the nerves under the ball of the big toe (digital neuritis) can produce a similar pain. Episodes of severe pain with swelling and redness around the base of the big toe are likely to indicate gout. Repeated attacks can damage the joint, leading to osteoarthritis.

 

The following list is a summary of some symptoms you may have. For full assessment and treatment of your particular problems, please contact us.

I have...

• suffered a sporting injury.

• a painful bump on the side of my big toe.

• pain and/or a lump in my heel.

• an ankle injury that's not improving.

• a weak ankle.

• ankle pain and/or stiffness.

• flat arches or a collapsed foot.

• painful toes.

• pain in the ball of my foot.

• an in-growing toenail.

• a stiff or painful big toe joint.

• pain and/or stiffness in the midfoot.

• clawed or curly toes.

• pain in my forefoot.

• pains in my shin.

• a lump on my foot.