What Are Common Causes of Big Toe Joint Pain?
The exact causes of big toe joint pain are uncertain. Experts suggest that potential causes could include previous injury to or overuse of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Some individuals, such as people with fallen arches, might be more susceptible due to minor structural differences. Big toe joint pain could also be a symptom of an inflammatory disease, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. This condition typically occurs in adults 30 to 60 years old.
The exact causes of big toe joint pain are uncertain. Experts suggest that potential causes could include previous injury to or overuse of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Some individuals, such as people with fallen arches, might be more susceptible due to minor structural differences. Big toe joint pain could also be a symptom of an inflammatory disease, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. This condition typically occurs in adults 30 to 60 years old. The medical term for big toe joint pain is Hallux rigidus, and the term Hallux limitus might be used for less severe cases. This condition is a form of degenerative arthritis featuring a stiff or “frozen” joint that no longer bends comfortably due to the loss of protective cartilage between the bones. Degeneration of the joint occurs due to bone-on-bone friction, and the formation of bone spurs or bony outgrowths happens in more advanced cases. As the MTP joint naturally bends each time the individual takes a step, stiffness of the
