What To Do About Toe Arthritis
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the toes. Toe arthritis can cause the tissues in the metatarsophalangeal joint to become inflamed and painful. These symptoms will worsen as the arthritis breaks down the cartilage in the joint, leading to bone rubbing on bone.
Here’s how to know if you're suffering from toe arthritis, and what you can do about it.
Do I Have Arthritis In My Toes?
When people experience chronic toe pain, they don’t always suspect arthritis. Oftentimes, people assume their footwear or exercise habits are to blame. However, toe arthritis is one of the most common causes of toe pain, alongside bunions and hammertoes.
Some signs your toe pain is caused by arthritis include:
Pain: This could be a deep, aching sensation or a sharper, stabbing pain. Its severity will grow as the joint deterioration progresses.
Stiffness: As the cartilage wears away, the toe will become stiffer, unable to bend or stretch. If left untreated, your toe could lock up completely.
Clicking or Popping: Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations are common in arthritic toes. These are the result of cartilage wearing away and the bones in the joint rubbing against each other.
Swelling: Visible swelling can occur as arthritis causes inflammation in the tissues of the toe joint. This inflammation could also produce heat in the joint, with the affected toes feeling irritated and warm to the touch.
Deformity: More severe cases of toe arthritis can impact the visual appearance of the joint. Your toe could increase in size or bend away from the foot.
As the symptoms progress, it can even impact your ability to walk. You may notice that your toe pain is forcing you to adjust your gait or stop you from performing certain activities, like exercise. It’s important to discuss your toe pain with an orthopaedic foot specialist before your condition progresses to this point.
Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery specialize in chronic conditions and traumatic injuries of the foot. Using a combination of medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests, Dr. Elton will diagnose your condition and determine its severity.
Toe Pain Treatment Options
Once your toe arthritis has been properly diagnosed, treatment can begin. Since arthritis is a degenerative disease, it cannot be cured. However, there are methods for managing your painful symptoms and slowing your disease progression.
At his practice, Dr. Elton recommends nonsurgical methods whenever possible. Conservative treatment options for arthritic toes include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Steroid injections
Physical therapy
Cold and heat therapy
Footwear modification
Activity modification
Regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapies
Surgery for toe arthritis is a last resort, used to restore mobility and reduce pain. Dr. Elton may recommend one of the following surgical options if your toe arthritis has progressed to the point where conservative methods fail to produce results:
Cheilectomy: Sections of the damaged bone are removed, improving movement in the toe.
Arthrodesis: The bones in the toe joint are fused together in a fixed position. This will permanently immobilize the joint, but doing so can drastically reduce your pain.
Arthroplasty: The damaged bone and cartilage of the joint are removed and replaced with an implant that acts as an artificial joint.
Dr. Elton will work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s right for your lifestyle, with the goal of getting you back to the activities you love.
Toe Arthritis? Contact Team Elton Today!
If you’re experiencing prolonged and significant pain in the toe joint, contact Team Elton today! As the top-rated foot and ankle orthopaedic physician in the High Rockies, Dr. Elton is known for his skill, expertise, and compassion.
Schedule a consultation by calling (970) 476-7220 or use Dr. Elton’s online appointment request form. Let’s get you back on your feet!