Big Toe Arthritis

What is big toe arthritis?

As the name implies, big toe arthritis, aka hallux rigidus, is an arthritic condition that affects your big toe joint. It may also affect other joints in your body, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. The good news is that treatment from Dr. Stautberg offers the relief you deserve, so you can get back to staying active and enjoying your favorite activities.

What are the symptoms of big toe arthritis?

The most common symptoms of big toe arthritis include:

• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Limited big toe movement
• Difficult mobility
• Redness
• Warmth
• Toe disfigurement

These and other symptoms range in severity from mild to severe. They can also be debilitating by causing ongoing discomfort and challenges to staying active. 

You may have stiffness, swelling, and pain in other joints in addition to your big toe joint. See Dr. Stautberg at the first sign of arthritis discomfort.

What are the risk factors for big toe arthritis?

While anyone can develop arthritis, the most common risk factors include older age, a family history of arthritis, carrying excess body weight, and previous joint injuries. Adopting healthy habits may reduce the chance of having arthritis, but you can’t necessarily prevent it. 

How is big toe arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Stautberg diagnoses arthritis after discussing your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle. He examines your big toe joints and other joints in your feet. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, X-rays,  possible joint fluid testing, or other imaging procedures.

How is big toe arthritis treated?

Dr. Stautberg tailors each treatment to your needs based on its severity and your symptoms. He may suggest shoe inserts, injections, oral medicines, physical therapy, or surgery to restore the structure and function of the affected toe joints. He may recommend more than one treatment to ensure highly effective outcomes.

There are multiple surgical treatments for big toe arthritis. A ‘cheilectomy’ involves simply removing painful bone spurs. Other surgical options add additional padding to the joint to help pain and maintain motion. A fusion procedure treats significant arthritis and deformity. Dr. Stautberg customizes treatment to each patient based on their goals and symptoms. 

Dr. Stautberg follows up with you to ensure your treatment plan works the way it’s intended. Feel free to call his office if you have questions or concerns.

To get relief from big toe arthritis, call Eugene Stautberg, MD, or book an appointment online today.