Great Toe Joint Pain

The great toe joint is susceptible to injury in the athlete and non athlete. Two of the most common conditions encountered at our centre are hallux abductovalgus (commonly referred to as bunions) and hallux rigidus where the great toe joint loses its movement because of arthritic change.

In some instances, the great-toe joint becomes impinged (jammed) when the patient walks but can appear normal during examination. This condition is known as functional hallux limitus and can give rise to many forms of sports injury. This is because the great-toe needs to be able to bend about 40 degrees for normal function. Any functional impingement will cause compensations which are detrimental to the body in general. Injuries associated with hallux limitus include metatarsalgia, great toe joint pain, tendon pathology of the ankle, knee, hip, and low back pain.

The centre utilises the full range of treatments to evaluate and treat conditions pertaining to the great-toe joint. Biomechanical and gait analysis is used to assess function of the great toe joint so that the correct form of treatment can be undertaken.

Subtle re-alignment of the foot using orthoses, rehabilitation, various forms of injection therapy and surgery are utilised as indicated.

View our blog posts about arthritis.