Are you dealing with nagging pain in your big toe, or does it seem like your toe joint is starting to bend upwards a little? If this sounds like you, there’s a chance you’re dealing with arthritis of the toe joint. Left untreated, it will become more painful and you’ll lose some range of motion in the joint. But in order to prevent the condition, we have to first learn what causes it. Today, we take a closer look at the causes of big toe joint arthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the Big Toe
The most common type of arthritis that affects a person’s big toe is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is categorized as a degeneration of articular cartilage in the toe joint, and it can set in for a number of different reasons. Some common causes of arthritic degeneration of the big toe joint include:
Acute Trauma – Acute trauma like a toe fracture or dislocation can damage vital structures in the joint and lead to its degeneration.
Related Foot Condition – Certain genetic conditions or gait problems can affect the way pressure is distributed to the joint, causing it to break down quicker.
Age – Over the years, our toes experience minute trauma with each step we take. That takes a toll on our feet over the decades, and eventually can lead to joint inflammation and arthritis.
Bone Spurs – Bone spurs aren’t all that common in the toe, but if they irritate the toe joint, it can lead to a breakdown of healthy tissue and the onset of osteoarthritis.
Surgery is typically the optimal route for treating moderate or severe cases of big toe arthritis, and Dr. Silverman would be more than happy to walk you through your options should your condition reach this stage. For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.