8 SYMPTOMS OF TOE ARTHRITIS

Toe arthritis can affect anyone. I commonly receive patients suffering from toe arthritis who are frequent runners or over the age of 65. My patients are most commonly suffering from big toe arthritis, but arthritis can affect any of your toes. No matter which toe is affected the symptoms are the same. 

What Is Hallux Rigidus or “Big Toe Arthritis"?

Hallux Rigidus is a joint with excess bone growth that limits the range of motion of your joint. This happens when your body is trying to compensate for damaged cartilage that is causing bone to rub on bone. Cartilage cannot regenerate, so your body grows more bone to try to repair the damaged joint. 

Symptom 1: Pain

Pain is usually the first noticeable symptom of arthritis. My patients also say it is one of the most life-affecting symptoms because the pain can be debilitating. The amount of pain you may be experiencing is dependent on how deteriorated or inflamed the joint is. Patients have described the pain as ranging from a deep, achy feeling to a sharper, stabbing sensation when they try to move. 

Symptom 2: Stiffness 

Patients of mine suffering from toe arthritis also have stiffness in their toes. Over time, arthritis wears away the cartilage between joints. When this cartilage is worn away there is less cushioning between the joints making their toes resistant to bending and stretching. This can make it difficult for them to walk as your toe joints move with every step.

Symptom 3: Swelling

In my experience patients have noticed the most swelling after long periods of sitting. Their toes have visible swelling, turn red, and are warm to the touch. I suggest that my patients go for a walk to help the swelling subside. 

Symptom 4: Clicking and popping noises

Many of my patients say they hear a crack or grinding sound when they move their toes. This is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage which causes the bones to rub against each other and make clicks or cracks. 

Symptom 5: Change in appearance 

One of the most obvious signs that a patient of mine is suffering from toe arthritis is the appearance of their toes. As the cartilage wears away the body compensates by creating more bone. This stabilizes the joint but it also makes it appear larger, or as if it has a big bump on it. In some of my patients, I have seen this cause the toe to send off in another direction creating a curved shape sometimes called a “claw foot.”

Symptom 6: Heat

As mentioned before when your toes swell or are inflamed, they give off heat. When your toes are inflamed the body sends more blood to them giving off a warm sensation.

Symptom 7: Locked joint 

I have witnessed locked joints in patients that have suffered so much swelling and stiffness that their joint is no longer able to bend. Again, I would recommend that a patient suffering from locked joints should go for a walk to relieve the condition.

Symptom 8: Difficulty walking 

All of these symptoms can make walking extremely painful and difficult for patients. Some patients adjust their gait to put less weight on their toes or even stop exercising. But in my experience, these self made adjustments can have negative consequences and may cause you to gain weight or even experience back and hip pain. 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms please give my office a call at your earliest convenience and make an appointment. Ignoring your pain and symptoms could cause even more damage and negatively affect your daily life.  

Make an appointment today with Rockland County Podiatrist, Dr. Han.

River Podiatry, with locations in Pearl River NY, and Midland Park NJ, provides comprehensive, treatment of patients with podiatric issues. The practice specializes in foot surgery. Expect the best possible care utilizing the most modern techniques. Make an appointment today with Rockland County and Bergen County podiatrist Dr. Han!