Great Toe Arthritis
Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint, a condition known as great toe arthritis, can significantly impact daily life. It can make every step painful, limit the types of shoes you can wear, and prevent you from enjoying activities like walking or hiking. This degenerative condition occurs when joint cartilage wears down, leading to bone-on-bone friction. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered.
Ortho ARC provides specialist assessment and surgical treatment for great toe arthritis, including fusion and minimally invasive surgery.
Understanding Great Toe Arthritis
The great toe, or big toe, has an important role in walking. During each step, the joint must bend to allow the foot to push off the ground. When arthritis develops, this movement becomes painful and restricted. Over time, bone spurs may develop around the joint, making it difficult to find comfortable footwear and stay mobile.
Patients commonly ask about the difference between a bunion and great toe arthritis. Both can affect the big toe joint, but a bunion is a structural deformity, where arthritis involves degeneration of the joint cartilage. The two conditions can also occur together.
Meet our Orthopaedic Specialists
Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan provide assessment and treatment for a range of orthopaedic conditions across Brisbane.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options.
Before considering surgery, a range of non-surgical treatments can be tried to manage the symptoms. These include:
- Shoe modifications: Wearing shoes with a stiff sole or a rocker bottom can reduce joint movement.
- Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts can help to offload pressure on the joint.
- Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications and injections can provide temporary relief.
If these measures do not provide adequate relief, or the pain and stiffness continue to worsen, your doctor may discuss whether surgical options are appropriate.
Surgical Solutions: Fusion & MIS
Dr Fidock provides a personalised approach to treating great toe arthritis, with surgery selected based on the severity of the condition, the patient's lifestyle, and their goals.
Great Toe Fusion (Arthrodesis)
For severe arthritis, a great toe fusion may be considered to help improve stability. This procedure involves removing the remaining damaged cartilage from the joint and fusing the two bones together with plates and screws.
- Procedure: The joint is stabilised in a functional position, enabling a strong, stable push-off.
- Recovery: Patients will be in a post-operative shoe for several weeks while the fusion heals.
While a great toe fusion limits joint movement, most patients can return to normal daily activities and wear flat, sensible footwear.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
For less severe arthritis, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) may be an option. This technique uses small incisions and specialised tools to address the joint damage.
- Procedure: A small incision is made, and a burr is used to remove bone spurs and decompress the joint.
- Recovery: Recovery is often faster, enabling an earlier return to weight-bearing and normal activities.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Regardless of the surgical technique, a structured rehabilitation program is essential for a successful outcome. Patients will be given detailed post-operative instructions on wound care, weight-bearing restrictions, and a physiotherapy program. The goal is to reduce swelling, restore strength, and ensure a smooth recovery. Dr Fidock and his team provide ongoing support throughout the entire process.
When should you speak to a specialist for Great Toe Arthritis?
If great toe pain is making it harder to walk, exercise or wear shoes comfortably, an orthopaedic assessment can help confirm the cause and explain your treatment options. Ask your GP for a referral to Ortho ARC, or contact our team to arrange an appointment.
Why choose Ortho ARC Brisbane for Great Toe Arthritis?
Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan provide specialist care for foot and ankle conditions, including great toe arthritis. At Ortho ARC, treatment is shaped around your injury, needs and lifestyle goals.
The orthopaedic surgeons use modern diagnostic and surgical techniques to provide non-surgical and surgical care and are committed to helping you regain mobility and return to the activities you enjoy.
They are committed to using evidence-based practices and advanced techniques to tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs. They understand the impact of foot pain and are dedicated to helping patients improve function and reduce pain where possible.
If you are experiencing great toe arthritis, request a consultation at Ortho ARC to discuss your treatment options and take the first steps.
Talk to your GP, and organise a referral to see us today!
If you’re dealing with foot or ankle pain or have questions about your condition, we encourage you to talk to your GP about getting a referral to come and see us.
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