Four of the five toes have three bones, connected by two joints. These are the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges of each toe. The large toe is comprised of only two bones and one connecting joint. The in the large toe are wider and heavier than the bones of the other toes.
This anatomy allows us to push off from the large toe when we are walking or running. It gives strength and balance to our mobilization. The large toe is by nature and usage stronger than any of the other toes. We use the large toe the most.
Lots of stress and trauma go into the large toe.
Consequently, the large toe suffers more from the ravages of a life spent upright as a biped. Because this appendage is called upon to perform with power so often and consistently, it is more subject to injury and wear and tear. Whether we are walking, running, hopping, bicycling, driving a car, kicking, standing up, sitting down, turning, tumbling, or other activities, the large toe is used to push and balance. This frequent pressure leads to damage.
Osteoarthritis of the joint hitching the proximal phalanx of the large toe and the distal end of the first metatarsal bone is a frequent consequence of this structure and its task. Painful swelling is the expression of this malady. It can compromise the ability to walk, cause imbalance, and increase the chance of falling.
Surgical therapy is commonly performed to remedy the discomfort of osteoarthritis of this first metatarsophalangeal joint. It is often a necessary treatment.
But there are options to mitigate the discomfort. These and other strategies can be used to slow the degenerative process and the associated deformities. It is possible to prevent the need for surgical intervention and still have a happily functioning foot. When already advanced, the following healthy habits can forestall the need for drastic cures. These give comfort and help prevent the problem.
All of these suggestions are important. None should be considered too trivial to pursue. The more you do to heal yourself, the more successful you will be, and the greater the reward. Incorporating these regimens as part of a healthy lifestyle helps prevent and heal this bothersome but necessary joint. Not all these maneuvers are applicable to everybody. Most people should endeavor to use every avenue of healing involved.
To begin:
Reduce excess body weight. It is a burden to the skeletal structure from about the lower thoracic vertebrae down. This includes the lower spine, hips, knees, ankles, feet, and toes.
Properly fitting shoes are critical to good foot health. High heels are bad for foot health. Adequate cushioning along the entire sole of the shoes can be foot-saving.
Stretching the plantar fascia (the bottoms of the foot) helps relieve pressure on the distal joints we are discussing. This is best done by wearing arch supports in all your shoes. These push up on your feet as you walk. The pressure from the supports on the bottoms of your feet should be noticeable, but not painful.
Stretch the calf muscles and achilles tendons. Wall pushups and other techniques have been described in previous blogs. Read my blog “PLANTAR FASCIITIS” published July 20, 2020.
Stretch your toes. (If this seems like it would be difficult for you to do – for fear of injury – then DO NOT DO THIS!)
On a carpet or even on a bed, get on your hands and knees. Gently put your feet down so the toes point forward a little. This is an extension stretch. Stretch them gently. This should not hurt. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds.
Then point the toes backward and hold for 20-30 seconds. This is a flexion stretch.
Do these stretches twice a day every day. Beginning a stretching routine may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If it is, then you are overdoing it.
It may be easier to do these stretches after soaking your feet in warm water with (or without) Epsom salts for about 15 minutes.
Wear toe warmers. These come as 3-3/4 inch by 2-3/4 inch adhesive pads, rounded at one end and squared at the other. (Sold on Amazon.com, in sporting goods stores, and elsewhere) Put them on top of your socks over the joint and wrap them a little around the medial part of the foot. Then put on your shoes. Your shoes should be large enough to accommodate this added pad without being uncomfortable. The soothing heat generally lasts for 6-8 hours. Whether you are wanting to prevent this condition, noticing the early signs of swelling, or already feel the pain, heat to the area will increase comfort, slow degradation of the joint, and even allow some healing. Heat heals.
If the arthritic condition in your toes is more advanced, soaking in very warm water with Epsom salts a couple times a day is helpful. The warmth of the water and the osmotic effects of the salts reduce inflammation and promote healing. This is also a good technique for prevention and for healing early disease. Soaking in Epsom salts reduces inflammation.
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of wellness of the feet.
Read my Health Book:
“IF EVERYONE SAYS I LOOK SO GOOD, THEN WHY DO I FEEL SO TERRIBLE?”
In it are many more recommendations for describes unique approaches to overall health. In this book, I discuss concepts and practices that everyone can use to improve health. It covers a wide variety of simple ways to increase energy, improve metabolism, strengthen oxygenation, and otherwise benefit life.
A key point, explained in detail in the book, is that “Making Anything Healthy Makes Everything Healthy.” Thus, by following the advice in the book, you not only make your lungs or bowels or immune system healthier, you also make your toe healthier.
The corollary is that by making your body healthier in general, healing of your toe problem is enhanced. Similarly, by making your toe healthier, your entire body becomes healthier.
This book is available in paperback or Kindle. Order on AMAZON.COM.
Health and Spirit by Dr. Jack Zoldan 