Why does my big toe hurt?

Pain in the big toe can be a sign of gout, injury or hallux rigidus but also ill-fitting shoes!

In this video Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Mr Andrew Goldberg, explores the causes of pain in the big toe. The commonest cause is hallux rigidus which translates into “Stiff big toe”. Just like any joint, the end of the bone surfaces are covered in shock-absorbing cartilage similar to the gristle at the end of a chicken drumstick. In arthritis, the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, which causes pain. The big toe joint is a particularly complicated joint because there are two pea-shaped bones sitting under the big toe called the sesamoid bones which are also involved in motion.

Hallux rigidus can affect all individuals but is more likely to affect those who are active and regularly participate in sporting activities or those with inflammatory conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. It is well known that hallux rigidus may begin early in life, even in the teens.

If you have symptoms that are not settling we recommend that you see a specialist as nowadays there are a lot of self-help treatments as well as many effective surgical options.

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