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When this occurs in the big toe, it can cause pain, numbness, and problems with walking. The most effective long-term treatments for big toe arthritis are surgical. Share on PinterestLeonie Lube/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThis article discusses big toe arthritis. After defining this condition, it will detail the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments. It will also discuss the preventions and briefly discuss some other causes of big toe pain. Definition Research from 2022 defines arthritis as an inflammation of the joints. Big toe arthritis is when someone’s arthritis affects the joints of at least one big toe. When big toe arthritis occurs, the inflammation typically affects a specific part of the toe — the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Research has shown that having a healthy MTP joint is crucial for efficient walking. Read more about big toe joint pain. Symptoms Big toe arthritis has several symptoms. A 2021 review lists these as follows:toe paintoe numbnessbulkier toe jointsaltered gait Some other signs of big toe arthritis may become more apparent during a physical exam. These signs include a swollen or tender first MTP joint and a reduced range of motion in the big toe. Additionally, toe pain can be worse when bending the foot backward. Learn more about arthritis in toes. Causes Osteoarthritis is a kind of arthritis that arises from joint wear and tear. Big toe arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis, and the big toe is one of the most common places that osteoarthritis occurs. Researchers remain uncertain about the exact causes of big toe arthritis. However, experts have discovered that several risk factors may increase the risk of this condition. These include:being of older agebeing femalehaving obesitymuscle weaknessjoint injuries Additionally, certain conditions, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis, can also worsen big toe arthritis. Diagnosis The above 2021 review explains that doctors will use several methods to diagnose big toe arthritis. One important diagnostic tool is radiographic imaging, such as X-rays. These allow doctors to determine the amount of spacing between the joints of the big toe. Less spacing will lead to more severe arthritis. Doctors can use further techniques to gauge the severity of someone’s big toe arthritis, such as asking about the amount of pain or stiffness the individual feels. They can also test the individual’s ability to move their big toe. Nonsurgical treatments Doctors can treat big toe arthritis in various ways. Some interventions are nonsurgical, such as using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling. Medical professionals may also recommend special types of shoes and other devices to help take pressure off the big toe. Surgical treatments Many treatment options are surgical and may include the following: Cheilectomy This procedure involves removing some of the bone within the big toe. It is most helpful for people with milder forms of big toe arthritis. This surgery has a success rate of approximately 80%. Arthrodesis This surgery is when surgeons fuse some bones in the big toe, removing the damaged joint between them. This procedure is most helpful for people with severe forms of big toe arthritis. It is also possible for surgeons to replace damaged toe joints with artificial ones. Some research suggests this can be helpful in the short term. However, it is not certain whether this procedure yields optimal long-term effects, as more research is necessary. Find out more about arthritis surgery. Prevention There is limited research on the specific prevention of big toe arthritis. However, scientists consider that some people can lower their risk of developing this condition. For instance, avoiding injuries may help, but this is not always easy. There is also evidence that some individuals could avoid osteoarthritis by reducing frequent heavy lifting. Other interventions relate more to specific lifestyle changes. For example, not maintaining moderate weight and having low muscle strength are risk factors for osteoarthritis. Therefore, some people may minimize these risk factors with appropriate diets and exercise routines. However, there is no scientific evidence that such interventions lower the risk of osteoarthritis. Other causes of toe pain Big toe arthritis is not the only cause of pain in the big toe. Several other conditions can feature big toe pain as a symptom. These include the following:Turf toe: Turf toe is a toe injury that often occurs during sport or exercise. It occurs when someone hyperextends the first MTP joint and can cause significant levels of big toe pain. Additionally, turf toe may itself cause or worsen big toe arthritis.Ingrown toenails: Experts define ingrown nails as nails that have begun to grow into a person’s skin. Ingrown nails can cause inflammation and infections, which may lead to pain that can affect the big toe.Gout: This common cause of arthritis can affect the MTP joint. It occurs when a person has a buildup of certain crystals in their tissues, which may cause severe pain. Doctors will consider such conditions before diagnosing big toe arthritis. However, someone can also have several of these conditions at once. Summary Big toe arthritis is arthritis that affects a person’s big toe. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort. However, it may be preventable in some cases, and doctors can treat big toe arthritis in several ways. Healthcare professionals will prescribe nonsurgical options, such as pain-relieving medication, or recommend surgical procedures that remove or fuse certain parts of the bone. Certain lifestyle changes may also help a person with big toe joint pain. Last medically reviewed on August 10, 2022OsteoarthritisPsoriatic ArthritisRheumatoid ArthritisMedically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR — By Mathieu Rees on August 10, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about gout in the big toeMedically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR Gout in the big toe can be painful. Learn more about how to identify gout, how to ease the pain, and a person should seek help, here.READ MOREWhy does my big toe joint hurt, and how can I relieve it?Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD There are many possible causes of pain at the big toe joint, including osteoarthritis, gout, and injuries. Learn more.READ MOREWhat causes big toe pain?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Big toe pain has several possible causes, with some being more serious than others. Learn about seven common causes, including their symptoms and…READ MOREDo nightshade vegetables make arthritis worse?Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C There is no evidence that nightshade vegetables make arthritis worse. Read about the nutritional benefits and tips for an anti-inflammatory diet.READ MORECan a hot tub help with arthritis?Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR Hot tubs are a potential source of both heat therapy and hydrotherapy, which could help with arthritis. Learn more about the potential benefits here.READ MORE