Big Toe (Hallux) Treatment

The medical terminology for the big toe is the ‘Hallux’. The main role of the hallux is to propel the body forward when you are walking. It is a common area of the foot to develop pain and discomfort. Pain can be experienced in the big joint at the base of the toe, in the distal/smaller joint near the top of the toe, in the skin surrounding the toe and also in the nail.

Pain in the big joint at the base of the big toe can be caused by misalignment of the joint due to a bunion, sudden increases activity, poor training techniques, the development of bony spurs that prevent the joint from working properly, irritation from poor-fitting footwear and inflammation of the structures surrounding the joint, e.g. joint capsule, bursa, tendons and muscles. Treatment for this may taping, activity modification, joint mobilisations, orthotics and footwear education and fitting.

Pain in the smaller joint of the big toe is most often as a result of increased pressure on the joint and abnormal movement of the joint. Problems that affect the big joint at the base of the toe can cause the little joint in the toe to overload resulting in pain The Podiatrist may suggest joint mobilisations, taping, activity modifcation, orthotic therapy and/or footwear modifications and fitting to help with the treatment of the pain.

Pain in the skin surrounding the toe can be as a result of poor joint movement and increased pressure and friction on the skin, leading to callus formation and irritation. Hard skin on the edges of the big or small joint is an indicator that the hallux and foot biomehanics are not functioning properly. This can be addressed via debridement and correction and the root causes, whether it is inappropriate footwear or foot biomechanics .

Pain in the hallux nail can be due to the anatomical shape, inappropriate cutting, build-up of debris underneath and down the side of the nails, excessive nail thickness and exterior trauma leading to painful nail fragments embedding in the surrounding skin. Toenails that are curvy tend to be more inclined to grow into the side of the toe, causing an ingrown toenail. Your podiatrist will demonstrate proper nail cutting techniques to prevent any problems in the future . Pressure from thickened or poorly cut nails can cause pain underneath or at the sides of the nail. It is not uncommon for the podiatrist to discover the pain surrounding a big toenail is from a corn or callous underneath or down the side of the nail.

If you have any big toe problems and would like us to help, please give us a call today at Chesterfield Podiatry in Mirrabooka