The bone on the foot near the big toe is inflamed and hurts, what should I do?

If the eyes are the mirror of our soul, then the legs are the mirror of our health. It is not for nothing that, according to the ancient teachings of Eastern medicine, the main points of all organs and systems of the human body are concentrated on the feet. It is very important to ensure that your legs are not only beautiful, but also healthy, since the health of your musculoskeletal system and your overall well-being directly depend on this. What is hallux valgus and how to get rid of this problem? This is exactly what we will discuss today in our article.

Contents

• What is hallux valgus?
• A bone on the leg. Causes
• Symptoms of hallux valgus
• Bunion on the foot - how to treat?
• Operations for hallux valgus deformity
• Take care of your foot health

Often people face such a problem as hallux valgus, and it becomes especially acute in the warm season, when it is time to wear open sandals or shoes. There is no need to try to hide the problem - you need to get rid of it and as soon as possible, since the more the disease progresses, the more difficult it is to fight it - Olga Evtushenko, orthopedic doctor

What is a stiff finger

A stiff toe is arthrosis of the big toe.
As the articular cartilage deteriorates, the mobility of the finger gradually decreases. Long-term inflammation can result in complete immobility of the joint (ankylosis). Causes and risks

Symptoms and signs

Treatment

Insoles medi

Structure of the big toe

The first toe is the largest in size. It consists of two tubular bones - phalanges. The remaining toes (except the little toe) consist of 3 bones. The phalanges have the shape of a cylinder; on one side they end in the proximal epiphysis (base), and on the other - in the distal epiphysis (head). The bones are connected to each other by the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.

The muscles are attached to the skeleton of the thumb using tendons. Soft tissues are elastic and can withstand significant loads.

Among the muscles that provide movement of the big toe are:

• first flexor;
• extensor pollicis longus;
• abductor muscle;
• flexor brevis;
• leading.

The strength of joints is provided by ligaments. These soft fabrics are not very elastic, but are flexible. The blood supply is provided by the branches of the dorsal and posterior tibial arteries, and the great vein drains the blood.

Stiff finger: causes and risk factors

Articular cartilage destruction occurs between the first metatarsal and the proximal phalanx of the big toe. It is not known exactly why some people develop the disease and others do not. Possible causes of arthrosis of the big toe are hereditary factors, trauma, inflammation, excessive stress and deformation. Sometimes stiffness is a complication of gout.

The following factors may contribute to the onset and progression of arthrosis of the first toe:

• Inappropriate, tight shoes
• Foot deformity
• Flat valgus foot
• Improper or excessive weight bearing, such as gait disturbances or excess weight
• Bone fractures and soft tissue inflammation.
• Gout

What is hallux valgus?

Hallux valgus is a special complex of pathological degenerative changes and visual deformation of the first toe. In other words, hallux valgus is a swollen, enlarged bone on the foot under the big toes. This is a fairly common leg disease that causes not only cosmetic discomfort, but is also often accompanied by pain, makes walking difficult and negatively affects posture. How do you understand that you are faced with this problem and how to get rid of it?

In scientific terms, Hallux valgus is a degenerative disease that affects the foot area. It is formed under the influence of improper loads and distortions of the natural biomechanics of the foot. The toe gradually changes its position and deviates towards the other fingers. As a result of improper load on the foot and lack of support in the toe, the forefoot expands and the so-called transverse flatfoot appears. For many people, the main reason for starting treatment for this disease is the aesthetic aspect, but this is not the first problem that needs to be addressed. Worsening degenerative changes and lack of timely treatment causes pain and mobility problems in the patient.

A bone on the leg. Causes

Where does hallux valgus occur? There are two factors that influence the appearance of Hallux valgus: genetic predisposition and external environment. Genetics implies the presence of a certain condition of the foot structure in the form of incorrect position of the metatarsal bone, congenital flat feet and an unnatural shape of the metatarsal joint. External pathological factors influencing the appearance of hallux valgus are, first of all, improperly selected shoes and excess weight, as well as the lack of orthopedic insoles.

Most often, the presence of a bunion affects the female half of the population, and especially fans of high heels. Due to the unnatural shape of such shoes, the body weight and the main load are transferred to the forefoot, and this directly contributes to the appearance of flat feet and hallux valgus. In high-heeled shoes, the toes tend to take an unnatural position and curl up. As a result, a bulge forms at the height of the metatarsophalangeal joint, which over time causes painful inflammation. When the toe no longer performs its stabilizing function, weight is transferred to other parts of the foot, which soon also become deformed. Often, the group of people who are particularly susceptible to developing hallux valgus includes overweight people and workers who are forced to work in a standing position all day long.

Treatment of arthrosis of the big toe

Treatment begins with a correct diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, the doctor carefully questions the patient about the medical history and complaints. He also performs inspection, palpation and x-ray of the thumb.

The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease, reduce symptoms and relieve pain. The doctor recommends treatment depending on the stage of the disease.

Conservative treatment methods

Conservative methods:

• Special insoles
• Orthopedic shoes
• Physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy, incl. balneotherapy (sulfur and radon baths)
• Anti-inflammatory and painkillers
• Local injections, such as hyaluronic acid or cortisone-containing medications

Orthopedic products for arthrosis of the first toe

It is recommended to begin treatment by purchasing insoles that relieve the load on the big toe. In this case, the biomechanics of gait are partially or completely restored. This will significantly relieve pain in the thumb joint.

For patients with arthrosis of the first toe who wear medical compression stockings, there is a special version of the product with a relief zone for the first toe.

Surgical treatment

If conservative measures fail or there is significant joint change, the orthopedist may consider surgery.

One of the methods of surgical treatment of severe arthrosis of the first toe is arthrodesis - surgical immobilization of the toe. Immobilizing the joint relieves the patient of pain. Adjacent joints and an orthopedic cushion on the sole of the shoe compensate for the loss of movement.

If the axis of the finger is violated, arthrodesis can be combined with corrective osteotomy (dissection of the bone followed by restoration of its integrity along the physiological axis).1

Sources

1R. K. Marti, RJ van Heerwaarden: Osteotomies for posttraumatic deformities. AO-Foundation Publishing. Thieme-Verlag Stuttgart 2008 (ISBN 978-3-13148671-4)

eurocom e.V., Einlagenversorgung, 2. Auflage 2012, Hallux Rigidus. S. 26

Thieme.de, Spiraldynamik-Hallux Rigidus, Online veröffentlicht unter: www.thieme.de/de/gesundheit/spiraldynamik-hallux-rigidus-51958.htm (last access: 05/18/2018)

www.medon.de/uebungen_hallux_rigidus.html (last access: 05/18/2018)

Diagnosis and treatment

The most common causes of foot deformities
Foot deformities

Symptoms of hallux valgus

Hallux valgus does not occur like the flu; it develops gradually, over months or even years. Noticing the onset of pathological processes is not so easy, but it is very important and necessary, so you need to be extremely careful and important about your own health and quickly respond to the first symptoms of hallux valgus, such as:

• The inner border of the foot does not have a 100% natural shape. Small bends appear, primarily the area of ​​the thumb is deformed. A slight bump in the thumb area should make you more alert, as it can get worse over time and cause pain;
• Pain in the metatarsal area. Appears as a result of progressive deformation;
• Problems while walking. This may be a feeling of discomfort, pain in a specific area of ​​the foot, or the frequent appearance of calluses and chafing.

If you notice that you have at least one symptom, you should definitely consult with an orthopedist or podiatrist. The specialist will conduct a diagnosis and identify the presence of the disease, as well as reliably establish the stage of progression of the disease. Also, do not forget to buy orthopedic insoles, which in any case will improve the condition of your feet and your musculoskeletal system in general.

Bunion on the foot - how to treat?

How to get rid of hallux valgus? How to treat this disease? Many people, faced with this problem, believe that the disease will go away on its own - but this is not at all true. If, after consulting with a doctor, you have received a diagnosis of “valgus deformity of the big toe,” you must urgently take measures to eliminate this disease, namely:

• Valgus bandages . By using a valgus bandage, you will ensure the correct physiological position of the thumb and stop the degenerative process occurring in the joint; You can buy a hallux valgus bandage on our online store website. A bandage against hallux valgus restores the correct position of the foot and reduces pain;
• Orthopedic insoles . In addition to the hallux valgus bandage, it is also strictly necessary to buy orthopedic insoles. They can be on different bases: frame or silicone, helium - it doesn’t matter. The main thing is that they are always present in the shoes you wear. Orthopedic insoles have a beneficial effect on the feet and form the natural physiological position of the legs. If you want to quickly get rid of hallux valgus, flat feet, permanent calluses and chafing, you definitely need to buy insoles.
• Corrective orthoses . Used to correct the position of the toes and prevent worsening of the deformity. There are night bandages against bunions, as well as daytime anti-valgus bandages. In some cases, these products are also used as part of post-operative rehabilitation.

You can find all these products in the Medtechnika Orthosalon chain of stores in Lviv, Kyiv, Zhitomir, Dnieper, Odessa, Vinnitsa and other cities, as well as buy or order on our website. We present a wide range of products against hallux valgus, including hallux valgus bandages, orthopedic insoles and orthoses. You can always find in our network high-quality products at affordable prices from the world's leading manufacturers.

Operations for hallux valgus deformity

Some patients, already in the initial stages of Hallux valgus, begin to think about the possibility of surgical intervention in order to get rid of this problem as soon as possible. In the first couple of years, it is enough to use orthopedic insoles and bandages against bunions. If you have an advanced stage of hallux valgus, all further actions, including any surgical procedures, are discussed with your doctor during an individual consultation.

Degenerative changes are often accompanied by pain, so your doctor may recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, if pain persists and the disease progresses and begins to interfere with normal functioning, surgery is the only option. If the defect is not pronounced, only correction of the joint capsule and tendons is sufficient. For severe defects, more invasive solutions are used, such as a wedge (or hemisphere) osteotomy, which involves intervention in the bony skeleton of the foot.

After completion of surgical treatment, rehabilitation under the supervision of a specialist is necessary. In addition to individual exercises performed by the patient, this process can be supported by various physical therapy procedures such as cryotherapy or laser. They accelerate the regeneration of the operated area and allow for faster recovery.

Take care of your foot health

There is an old, well-known principle when it comes to foot health: prevention is much better than cure. If we take proper care of the health of our feet, the chances of developing hallux valgus will certainly be minimized. The basis, of course, is choosing the right shoes and using orthopedic insoles. When choosing shoes, give preference to models made of natural and flexible materials that will not put undue pressure on your toes. Shoes should be selected according to the shape of the foot so that the body weight is evenly distributed throughout the musculoskeletal system. In case of visible degenerative changes, the best option for you will be special orthopedic shoes. Women should avoid high-heeled shoes with narrow toes if possible. You can buy orthopedic insoles, which will also ensure even distribution of the load and will be an excellent prevention of flat feet.

If you have already developed hallux valgus, you definitely need to buy a bandage against the bunion, and also do stretching exercises and strengthening the muscles in your legs to keep them in good shape. Your physical activity should always be at a level, and it is imperative to adhere to a proper and balanced diet, which will help maintain proper posture and body weight.

Consequences of not treating your toe

If you experience pain and discomfort in your big toe, it is very important to get examined and begin treatment as soon as possible. Without timely medical care, serious complications can occur:

• bursitis - inflammatory damage to the joint capsule;
• tendinitis and tendovaginitis - inflammation of the tendons;
• spread of the pathological process to other joints of the foot with the development of combined arthrosis;
• irreversible finger deformation;
• lameness;
• rachiocampsis.

The most serious complication is loss of foot mobility with impaired walking function. This phenomenon can lead to disability and requires surgical treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of big toe diseases includes the following measures:

1. Wearing comfortable shoes of the appropriate size.
2. Normalization of body weight.
3. Proper balanced nutrition.
4. Dosed physical activity, physical therapy exercises.
5. Protection against hypothermia.

It is very important to undergo regular preventive examinations with a doctor. In the presence of chronic diseases, maintenance treatment should be carried out to avoid relapses.

Diagnostic principles

Diagnosis of toe diseases includes the following methods:

1. Questioning the patient to clarify complaints and medical history.
2. Examination of the affected area, determining the condition of the skin, the shape of the joints and bones.
3. Laboratory tests - general clinical, biochemical, immunological blood tests.
4. X-ray in 2 projections.
5. Computed or magnetic resonance imaging.

Based on the results of the study, the doctor will give the patient recommendations on how to treat a particular disease and what to do to prevent relapses.

Treatment methods

Therapy for diseases of the foot joints includes medications for external and internal use, physiotherapeutic methods, surgical interventions and folk recipes.

Medications

A variety of medications are used to treat pain and swelling. The choice depends on the diagnosis and condition of the patient. The most commonly used groups are:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Movalis, Nimesulide, Ortofen, Voltaren) - help get rid of pain and swelling.
2. Antigout drugs - Colchicine, Fullflex, Urodane, etc.
3. Chondroprotectors are medications that improve the condition of joints (Arthra, Chondrolon, Teraflex).
4. Broad-spectrum antibiotics (Erythromycin, Amoxicillin) can cure bacterial inflammation.
5. Means for improving peripheral blood circulation - Pentoxifylline, Nikoshpan, Papaverine.
6. Antihyperglycemic drugs (in the complex treatment of diabetic foot) - Maninil, Diabeton.

Medicines can be taken orally, and also administered intravenously and intramuscularly.

Ointments

In addition to systemic treatment, external ointments are used that have a local effect:

1. Ointments based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Voltaren, Diclofenac.
2. Warming ointments for joints - Viprosal, Apisatron.
3. Anti-gout cream Fullflex.
4. Chondroprotectors – Structum, Chondroxide.

Traditional medicine recipes

Along with drug treatment, it is useful to use folk remedies. You can do foot baths with herbs, sea salt, iodine. Compresses with medical bile and horseradish leaves relieve inflammation and pain well. To remove excess uric acid from the body, brew and drink tea from burdock root, strawberry leaves, and potato decoction.