What Is Big Toe Arthritis?

Often, with colder weather, the symptoms of Big toe arthritis can increase, or make you aware for the first time you may have some issues. 

Big toe arthritis is medically known as hallux rigidus, it is a condition where arthritis affects the joint at the base of the big toe. Over time, the joint tyically becomes stiff, swollen, and painful, making walking or wearing certain shoes a challenge.  

Like many types of Arthritis, its important to spot the signs early and seek advice and help.

What to Notice: Symptoms of Big Toe Arthritis

• Early Signs:
  • Stiffness in the big toe, especially in the morning.
  • Pain during activities like walking or running.
• Progression:
  • Swelling and inflammation around the joint.
  • A noticeable bump or bone spur forms at the top of the joint.
  • Difficulty bending the toe, leading to changes in your gait.
• Advanced Stages:
  • Severe pain even at rest, is sometimes best described as a throb or heat in the toe. 
  • Complete loss of movement in the big toe.

The progression of these symptoms are as you’d imagine, aligned to the progression of the disease. Arthritis doesn’t just appear at its worst, there are stages to the disease that can be helpful to understand. 

Stages of Big Toe Arthritis

1. Stage 1 – Mild:
   • Minor pain and stiffness with occasional discomfort.
   • Symptoms often appear after high-impact activities.
2. Stage 2 – Moderate:
   • Increased stiffness and swelling.
   • Pain becomes more frequent, even during routine activities.
   • Bone spurs may begin forming.
3. Stage 3 – Severe:
   • Constant pain and significant swelling.
   • Joint movement is severely limited or absent.
   • Bone spurs are more pronounced.
4. Stage 4 – Advanced:
   • Complete loss of joint function.
   • The toe may feel permanently stiff and misaligned.

The treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease but also the symptoms you are experiencing. Treating the stage appropriately is important but we always consider the patient and how they feel as a key factor in treatment options. 

Treatment Options

We specialise in treatment options for big toe arthritis, appreciating the debilitating effect it can have on everyday life. 

• Conservative Treatments (Early Stages):
  • Anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the joint.
  • Injection therapies (typically steroid injections) to reduce swelling.
• Non-implant surgical treatments (Early to Moderate stages)
  • Cheilectomy Surgery 
  • For patients with early to moderate big-toe arthritis
  • This procedure is designed to relieve pain while preserving as much natural joint function as possible.
  • A cheilectomy involves the removal of bone spurs and damaged tissue around the joint
  • Ideal if pain is primarily caused by joint impingement during movement and it is best suited for those who still have some joint cartilage remaining.
  • Outcome: Successful Cheilectomy can help preserve the joint and slow down the disease progression delaying the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
• Surgical Treatments (Moderate to Severe Stages):
  • Fusion Surgery (Arthrodesis):
    • Ideal for patients with severe arthritis where joint motion causes significant pain.
    • The procedure permanently stabilises the joint, eliminating pain but positioning the joint in such a position that it support every day life. 
    • Outcome: Excellent pain relief and long-term durability, especially for active individuals that need to get back to daily routines quickly. 
  • Joint Replacement Surgery:
    • A constantly developing and innovative option for patients seeking to retain joint motion. Reason can range from preferred show types (high heels) or manual labour work, where passive movement of the toe is important.
    • The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with implants to restore function, this can be one side or both, depending on disease progression.
    • Outcome: Pain reduction while maintaining mobility, perfect for those that are prepared to carry more extensive rehab and need to maintain a greater form of flexion and movement in their joint.

You can read more about some of the option mentioned in this update on our patient guides page:

Patient Guides

Contact Mr Eyre at Good FootWork If:

You’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, or swelling in your big toe. Early intervention can slow progression and provide relief before the condition becomes debilitating.

Our team offers a patient-focused approach, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment for your specific stage of arthritis. Whether you need a simple solution or an advanced surgical option, we’re here to help you get back on your feet—pain-free.