A common site of arthritis in the foot is at the base of the big toe. Damage to the cartilage in this area can cause bone formation at the top of the joint that blocks the normal movement, leading to pain and stiffness of the big toe, otherwise known as hallux rigidus. Treatment may include surgery when the hallux rigidus impairs physical activity and movement.
Symptoms
- Pain in the big toe joint, especially when doing physical activity.
- Swelling around the big toe joint
- A bump on the top of the foot.
- Stiffness in the big toe that doesn’t allow bending of the joint
Causes
The potential repeated deep flexion of the toe causing injury of the big toe joint.