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 the case of bunions, conservative treatment can be utilised to treat symptoms although only surgery can correct the deformity itself. 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 has many years of expertise and utilises sophisticated systems to evaluate and treat pathologies pertaining to the great-toe joint. Subtle re-alignment of the foot using orthoses, rehabilitation, various forms of injection therapy and surgery can be utilised as indicated.

Please contact the centre for more information.