The bone on the big toe hurts: causes and treatment

From this article you will learn:

• Why does the bunion on my big toe hurt?
• Causes of pain in the bunion of the big toe
• Stages of development of hallux valgus
• 5 ways to get rid of a bunion on your big toe yourself
• Surgical, physiotherapeutic and medicinal treatment of the bunion on the big toe

Sometimes a bunion on the big toe causes discomfort and pain. In fact, this is an alarm bell that can become a harbinger of an unpleasant disease. The so-called callus is most often found in women, because it is the fair half of humanity who often wear heels.

As a rule, at first all symptoms are ignored, and girls are in no hurry to see a doctor. However, if a bunion is not treated, it can lead to serious tissue damage and deformation of the foot. Let's talk in detail about the nature of the disease and treatment methods.

Why does the bunion on my big toe hurt?

As a result of bursitis of the thumb (callus), the joint at its base increases in size and begins to bulge outward, causing a lump to form.

The main reason for this pathology lies in wearing very tight shoes, which provokes an abnormal position of the joint connecting the big toe and the other part of the foot - it enlarges and becomes deformed. As a result, a bone grows on the big toe. This phenomenon is accompanied by pain and swelling.

Often this process is long and painful. Over time, the pain increases. At the first stage of the disease, the finger is turned outward more strongly. Moreover, swelling appears on the outside, the foot acquires an unhealthy reddish color. Then severe pain occurs in the foot when a person stands, puts on shoes, or engages in physical activity.

Men and women are equally susceptible to the disease. But more often a bunion grows on the big toe in women, since few men wear shoes with a narrow toe.

As a result of the disruption of blood flow and changes in the position of the big toe (for example, when wearing high-heeled shoes), the joint becomes deformed as the toes inside the shoes are strongly compressed. As a result of the joint abnormality, the formation of scar tissue and tumors occurs, so the condition of the feet changes.

At first the size of the bone is small. However, if you wear very narrow shoes for a longer period of time, the lump continues to grow. A greatly enlarged bone leads to an increase in the tumor, and, as a result, limitation of movements. Sometimes it is difficult for a person not only to move, but also to stand. According to experts, even if the lump is small, you need to visit a doctor for advice. The effect of treatment directly depends on how early it was started. It must be said that the problem will not disappear on its own. If you do not pay attention to the growing bone, the consequences can be very sad.

If you experience pain in the bunion on your big toe, immediately change uncomfortable tight shoes to looser ones, try to maintain correct posture while walking and running. Sometimes it is necessary to use a supporting corset to ensure the correct position of the spine. In addition, it is important to stretch and regularly treat problem areas with essential oils to combat arthritis. In some cases, these measures can help, but it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

Indications for surgery

At the initial stage, conservative therapy helps to reduce the load on the affected joint and reduce pain. But you can completely get rid of the deformity only with the help of surgery. Among the main indications for resection:

• persistent calluses that develop into purulent wounds, ulcers that threaten sepsis, necrosis of the skin;
• loss of elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus, inability to bend or straighten the little finger;
• loss of support on the foot, which makes it difficult for a person to stand or walk;
• frequent relapses of purulent bursitis;
• loss of sensitivity due to damage to nerve endings.

Taylor's deformity leads to decreased quality of life. Pain limits mobility and leads to disability at a young age. A persistent inflammatory process provokes the destruction of cartilage plates and accelerates the development of osteoarthritis.

The main indication for surgical removal of a bone growth is the results of radiography. When receiving the image, the orthopedist measures the angle between the 4th and 5th fingers and the size of the head of the joint. The choice of tactics may be influenced by the severity of the deformity, the presence of flat feet or club feet in the patient, the development of bursitis and other inflammatory processes.

Causes of pain in the bunion of the big toe

The appearance of hallux valgus is preceded by a number of circumstances, most of them related to the lack of necessary foot care.

The main reasons for the appearance of a bone at the base of the thumb:

• incorrectly chosen or poorly made shoes - mostly these are too tight shoes that significantly compress the foot;
• improper diet, as a result of which the body does not receive a full set of nutrients - pathology can also arise due to an excess of any elements;
• heredity - if someone in the family already had such a problem, then hallux valgus deformity is highly likely to appear;
• the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• insufficient physical activity.

Women are 10 times more likely than men to suffer from hallux valgus, as their bodies are more strongly influenced by hormones. In addition, women have a more flexible ligamentous apparatus, which also has a great influence on the growth of the bone.

On a note! Representatives of the fair sex, in pursuit of fashion trends, often wear very uncomfortable shoes, although they are spectacular. Following the rule “beauty requires sacrifice,” the female half of humanity significantly (literally several times) increases the risk of bursitis. Currently, 40% of women in the world are faced with this problem.

Very often the joint is deformed due to excess weight, flat feet, frequent and prolonged walking, and diseases of cartilage tissue.

The disease is often diagnosed in people who professionally engage in gymnastics and dancing, as well as in those who must stand on their feet for a long time. Sometimes women observe the development of pathology during pregnancy or menopause, since at this time a hormonal imbalance occurs in the body. In some cases, the bunion begins to grow due to a leg injury.

It happens that children suffer from hallux valgus, although very rarely. This occurs due to the presence of diseases: rickets, poliomyelitis, excessive joint mobility.

Bone growth occurs in those who suffer from gout and arthritis. Quite often, hallux valgus is confused with other diseases, despite the presence of characteristic symptoms. Therefore, only a doctor can accurately make the correct diagnosis.

Peculiarities

When there is a painful bulge on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe, podiatrists diagnose Taylor's deformity, or "tailor's disease." For the first time, a detailed description and diagnosis was carried out by the American specialist H. Davis in 1949, noting complete identity with the development of Hallux Valgus.

An inflamed area forms on the lateral surface of the head of the little finger bone, causing the finger to deviate inward. The pain can radiate to the lateral part of the foot and provoke inflammation of the ligaments, bone and cartilage tissue. Characteristics:

• the forefoot expands, the angle between the 4th and 5th toes increases;
• the little finger takes on the shape of an arc; with the varus subtype, it can overlap the ring finger in a cruciform manner;
• a “bone” is formed on the outside.

For a long time, the pathology develops asymptomatically. The foot gradually increases in volume due to a growth, an increase in the fourth intermetatarsal angle. Conservative treatment eliminates the disease only at the initial stage. In most cases, surgery is performed using different methods.

Stages of development of hallux valgus

It is necessary to visit a doctor already at the first stage, since in this case the treatment of the bunion on the big toe will be much more effective and painless. At the very beginning of the disease, it is possible to eliminate the problem yourself, using folk recipes or special medications. At the last stage, mandatory medical intervention is required, and in some cases only surgery helps.

Recommended articles on the topic:

• How to massage the abdomen for weight loss: different techniques for health and beauty
• Stone massage: description, benefits, methods
• MRI of three parts of the spine: when is it necessary and what are the features of the procedure

Features during operations

The mechanism of development of Taylor's pathology or tailor's disease largely mirrors the pathogenesis of hallux valgus in Hallux Valgus. this allows surgeons to use identical treatment and surgical techniques.

The purpose of surgical intervention is to restore the biomechanical connections in the forefoot, improve the condition of the ligamentous apparatus, and eliminate the aesthetic defect. It is necessary to remove the valgus deformity of the fifth metatarsal bone and return the parabola of the little finger to its natural position.

Surgical, physiotherapeutic and medicinal treatment of the bunion on the big toe

There are many methods to get rid of this problem. When choosing a correction method, the specialist is guided by the degree of neglect of the disease, the patient’s health status and other factors.

After examining the person seeking help and analyzing the situation, the doctor will make a diagnosis and recommend the following methods:

1. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs. You can treat a bunion on your big toe with ointments, tablets and other medications. Only a doctor can prescribe medications to eliminate the inflammatory process. You cannot self-medicate, as some medications have contraindications. These drugs have side effects that can lead to serious consequences and only make the situation worse.
2. Physiotherapeutic procedures. Sometimes using these methods you can get rid of hallux valgus. The use of therapeutic mud, electrophoresis, and baths helps improve blood flow, metabolism, tissue restoration, and relaxation of leg muscles. All physiotherapeutic measures must be prescribed by a doctor.
3. Surgery on the big toe to get rid of a bunion is usually used at the last stage of the disease and only in extreme cases. Moreover, the surgical method will help get rid of the problem. However, there is always a risk of relapse if you forget to care for your feet and do not take preventive measures. During the operation, the shape of the fingers is straightened. The rehabilitation period after removal of sutures is 2–3 weeks. It must be said that the surgical method is not suitable for vascular diseases and diabetes.

If swelling appears not only on the big toe, but also on other toes and it persists for a long time, it is recommended to consult a specialist. This must be done even if you do not feel pain. The occurrence of discomfort and swelling in the toes may indicate the presence of arthritis, osteoarthritis, or bursitis. It is not recommended to stop treatment after removing the bone. It is necessary to wear loose-fitting shoes and use natural remedies for another two months.

Why clients choose Veronika Herba Beauty and Health Center:

• This is a beauty center where you can take care of yourself at a reasonable cost, while your face and/or body will be treated not by an ordinary specialist, but by one of the best in Moscow. This is a completely different, higher level of service!
• You can receive qualified help at any time convenient for you. The beauty center is open from 9:00 to 21:00, seven days a week. The main thing is to agree with your doctor in advance on the date and time of your appointment.

Sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone +7 (495) 085-15-13

, and you will see for yourself!

Non-surgical methods for treating foot deformities

The conservative method is aimed at:

1. Eliminating the reasons why the foot is curved.
2. Correction of limb deformities.
3. Relief of symptoms accompanying the disease (pain, inflammation, swelling).

After a certain time, if positive dynamics are observed, the bone stops growing, its size decreases, which leads to normalization of the condition of the foot as a whole. Provided you follow all the specialist’s instructions, you can achieve proper distribution of the load on the foot.

If the patient contacts the doctor for the first time, he will be thoroughly examined. This is necessary to prescribe the most effective course of treatment procedures.

The most common diagnostic methods used to study pathology:

• visual inspection of the deformed limb;
• X-ray examination to identify all bone changes;
• CT, MRI;
• computer plantography, which determines the degree of load on certain areas of the foot.

Having studied and analyzed the results obtained in detail, the orthopedic doctor prescribes the optimal conservative treatment for the patient. Important factors influencing the choice of certain methods are:

• patient's age (usually 50 years and older);
• valgus angle (should not be more than 30°);
• absence of other foot pathologies.

Today, a number of fairly effective non-surgical methods for treating deformities have been developed. Often, in order to achieve positive results, several medical approaches and medications are used at once.

The following conservative methods have shown good results in the fight against hallux valgus:

1. Drug therapy.
2. Use of special instruments and devices.
3. Various therapeutic measures.
4. Use of traditional medicine.

To obtain a long-term positive effect, an integrated approach is important, in which all known methods of therapy are harmoniously combined.

In order to eliminate the negative symptoms accompanying foot deformation, drug treatment is successfully used. To stop the inflammatory process, drugs containing hormones (Diprospan, Hydrocortisone) are injected into the joint cavity. In addition to hormonal agents, topical anti-inflammatory agents are used for the same purpose. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are good for treating pain.

There are negative factors that aggravate the disease, which are recommended to be excluded. These include:

• excess weight;
• wearing uncomfortable high-heeled shoes;
• professional activities associated with prolonged stress on the legs (teacher, salesperson, hairdresser).

Therefore, for a quick recovery, it is important to choose comfortable shoes, walk barefoot more, reduce the load on your feet if possible, and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

• Bandages and valgus splints

These devices are worn constantly and only at night. Bandages and valgus splints are made of silicone, plastic, or made of elastic fabrics. The principle of operation of the splint: a special pad fixes the thumb in the desired position and puts pressure on the protruding bone.

The function of the bandage is to reduce the load on the feet, relieve pain, make walking easier, and protect the bones from subsequent bending.

We recommend

Anti-wrinkle facial massage: 10 effective techniques Read more

• Sinusoidal Modeled Currents (SMC)

Physiotherapeutic method. Operating principle: electrodes are attached to the legs, through which an electrical discharge is supplied to the muscles and ligaments. The procedure is safe and does not cause pain. Thanks to the effects of SMT, nerve endings are stimulated, tissue tone increases, blood circulation improves, and swelling is eliminated.

• Medicines

Prescription of medications is required to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling. Drug therapy is carried out using tablets, injections, ointments, and gels. Ibuprofen, Ketanov, Diclofenac, Indomethacin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in treatment. If the pain is severe, the doctor prescribes the injection of hormonal drugs into the joint cavity.

• Splint and orthoses

These devices are used if it is necessary to rigidly fix the leg. With the help of a splint made of durable plastic, the joint becomes immobile.

There are 2 types of orthoses: non-stress (they are used at night, as they do not allow movement) and functional (you can actively move in them). For each specific patient, an individual impression is made, according to which the device is made.

A good home remedy for feet is foot baths. The water in them should be warm (37–38 oC). The procedure is performed in no more than 15 minutes. The various compositions of the baths usually include salt, iodine, pine or herbal infusions. The course lasts 1–2 weeks.

To reduce the bone, traditional medicine is used. Various lotions, compresses containing propolis, turpentine or clay, iodine mesh, baths with a decoction of potato peels or laundry soap are effective.

We recommend

Therapeutic massage for the back: features, indications and contraindications Read more
Thermal treatment methods include paraffin or ozokerite foot wraps. This allows you to improve blood microcirculation, restore the supply of nutrition to muscle tissue, and relieve fatigue.

Contraindications for surgery

Absolute or temporary restrictions for performing an osteotomy on the foot are:

• osteoporosis and reduced bone tissue regeneration;
• exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis;
• obesity 3-4 degrees;
• acute stage of infectious diseases.

Minimally invasive surgeries are allowed for varicose veins and joint bursitis.

Taylor syndrome leads to the formation of a painful growth at the base of the little finger, swelling, and calluses. New methods of surgical treatment can relieve the patient of complications and restore lightness to his gait.

Rehabilitation period after surgery

On the first day, the patient is recommended to remain in the clinic under the supervision of a surgeon. The patient is fitted with special orthoses - Baruk boots, which, when walking, relieve the load from the forefoot and toes on the heel. These shoes must be worn for at least 6 weeks. In a difficult situation, you can additionally rely on crutches and limit physical activity.

After surgery, for 2 weeks it is recommended:

• bed rest;
• place a pillow or cushion under your feet to stimulate the outflow of excess fluid;
• for severe pain, apply cold compresses for 30 minutes up to 4 times a day.

To reduce pain, the doctor selects medications individually and calculates the dosage for home use. Swelling begins to decrease on the 3rd–5th day after surgery. After 14 days, it is recommended to visit the surgeon again to remove the skin sutures.

After 6 weeks, the patient is sent for a repeat x-ray. With pronounced positive dynamics and the absence of contraindications, walking without corrective orthoses with a load on the toes is allowed.

In some older patients, swelling may persist for a long time, which is associated with decreased tone of the veins of the extremities. In such a situation, lymphotropic therapy and contrast foot baths are prescribed.

How to recognize the disease?

The following changes indicate the development of a bone in the leg:

• the thumb deviates outward, while forming a “ball” at its base;
• there is constant aching pain in the area of ​​deformity;
• fast fatiguability;
• difficulties with choosing shoes.

In the absence of treatment and progression of the pathology, a hammer-shaped shape of the remaining toes is observed. The appearance of the slightest signs of disease should be a reason to contact an orthopedist.

Preparing for surgery

In most cases, manipulations are performed under spinal anesthesia. To exclude complications and develop a surgical plan, the patient is prescribed the following preparatory procedures:

• radiography of the foot in two projections;
• blood chemistry;
• coagulogram;
• tests for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, hepatitis C;
• Ultrasound of the lower extremities;
• X-ray of the chest and respiratory organs.

For chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, additional consultation and examination by specialized doctors is required.