Diagnosing Big Toe Pain

Despite their relatively small size, the extremities such as the toes can become surprisingly painful. Whilst pain may not always be intense, the persistent aches, pains and discomfort can wear one down. Pain is often intermittent leading many sufferers to put off a doctors visit in the hope that the pain will go away on its own, or that the problem is not serious.
Modern footwear has a part to play in the increasing number of foot pain complaints, with fashionable footwear tending to cramp the feet and put the joints and bones under considerable strain. A narrow toe box can temporarily disfigure the feet, which can become permanent over time. An elevated heel puts the full body weight onto the balls of the foot, with the metatarsal heads prone to injury. Prolonged pressure on the joints when the natural walking gait has been altered can lead to the bunions.

Pressure on the joints causes the bones of the feet to become displaced at the first joint of the big toe, with excess bone often forming over time to prevent the return to a normal position. The bursa which surrounds the joint can become inflamed and painful, with swelling common. Due to the deformity, wearing shoes can become difficult, irritating the bunion. Whilst the deformity can become severe over time and require surgery to correct, it is easy t sport the problem early on and get effective treatment.

Hallux rigidis affects the same joint on the big toe, however whilst aggravated by excess pressures on the joints, it is not directly caused by this. It is actually a form of osteoarthritis, and affects the joints and the cartilage, which becomes degraded over time. The toe becomes stiff and inflexible and can become swollen and painful. Due to the location and appearance, many people incorrectly diagnose the problem as a bunion.

Big toe pain can be intense, and none more so than with gout, a hereditary abnormality which prevents the body from excreting uric acid efficiently. As uric acid levels build up in the bloodstream, they are excreted into the joints, where it crystallizes causing intense pain. The condition is commonly associated with leading a decadent lifestyle, and with too much of the good life. This belief comes from the high prevalence of the condition in the aristocracy, although it has been linked to eating a diet rich in purines. The condition can become severe, however nowadays it is better understood and pain episodes can be better controlled with lifestyle changes as well as prescribed medication.

Due to the location of the big toe, injury and trauma are common. Subbed toes can damage the joint, with muscles and ligaments easily twisted. As the muscles and ligaments in the feet become fatigued after exercise, they work less efficiently causing the bones to take an increased force making injury more likely. In most cases, rest and some time off the feet is the best remedy, however should the pain be moderate, an x-ray is advised to determine the severity of any trauma.