_{^{NHS LOTHIAN | PODIATRY SERVICE}}

Big Toe Joint Pain

Big toe joint pain is caused by stiffness and reduced movement in the joint at the base of the big toe.

It is a common condition that usually improves with the right self-management and footwear changes.

What are Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus?

These conditions cause pain and stiffness in the big toe joint.

Hallux Limitus
Reduced movement in the big toe joint

Hallux Rigidus
Severe loss of movement or no movement at all

What causes big toe joint pain?

Common Causes include:

Ill-fitting or poorly styled footwear (e.g. high heels, thin soles)
Being overweight
Recent increase in activity levels
High-impact activities (e.g. running, jumping)
Tight or weak muscles in the lower leg or foot
Injury to the toe or foot
Foot deformity
Arthritis
Underlying medical conditions

Signs and Symptoms:

Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint
Swelling around the joint
Increased joint size due to bone formation (may feel firm)

What can I do to help myself?

It is important to try to work out what leads to your pain. Avoiding the causes or triggers of painful symptoms is one of the most important parts of helping your recovery.

Consider the following options:

Footwear

The shoe style you wear should accommodate the width and shape of your foot and have semi rigid soles- avoid narrow, pointed shoes. The heel height should be between 1cm and 4 cm and preferably have a firm fastening such as lacing. Try to avoid shoes that cause you more pain.

Modify activity levels

It is good to keep moving and exercising but you may benefit from considering alternative ways of keeping active temporarily. Lower impact activities such as cycling or swimming may be a good option for you. If this does not help, a period of rest may be suitable.

Ice packs

Apply an ice pack to the painful site for 20 minutes, 2-3 times daily (ensure ice is not applied directly to the skin- a cloth may be a useful barrier).

Aim for a healthy body weight

Being overweight increases pressure and strain to the affected area and could reduce your chances of successful resolution. If you need support with this please speak with your GP or the Get Moving service.

Pain medication

Some pain medication may help to reduce your symptoms and help you to move more comfortably. Discuss this with your Pharmacist or GP.

Being patient

This is not always easy but we know it may take time for symptoms to settle.

Excercises

Watch the videos below and follow the exercises as advised.

Towel Stretch

Gastrocnemius Stretch

Soleus Stretch

Foot Doming

Towel Scrunches

Toe Motion

What if my symptoms fail to resolve?

Follow the self-management advice and complete the exercises regularly. If symptoms are not improving or are getting worse after 6 weeks, contact your podiatry team for advice .

NHS 24 MSK Help app

Free app with further exercise guidance and self-management support for MSK conditions. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Self-Referral Form

Please complete a self referral form to apply to the podiatry service for treatment.

Self-Referral Form

If you are using a smartphone please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app to complete the form electronically – get.adobe.com/reader

GPs and other healthcare professionals can access referral guidance on our Ref Help pages

CONTACT INFORMATION

NHS Lothian Podiatry
Mon-Thu: 8:30am-4pm
Fri: 8am-3:30pm

Telephone: (0131) 536 1627

Self-Referral Form

ABOUT US

Podiatrists are allied healthcare professionals trained to help prevent, diagnose, and treat problems affecting your feet and lower limbs.

Podiatry’s primary aim is to improve the mobility, independence, and quality of life for their patients.

SHARE THIS PAGE

Big Toe Joint Pain

Big toe joint pain is caused by stiffness and reduced movement in the joint at the base of the big toe.It is a common condition that usually improves with the right self-management and footwear changes.

What are Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus?

What causes big toe joint pain?

What can I do to help myself?

Footwear

Modify activity levels

Ice packs

Aim for a healthy body weight

Pain medication

Being patient

Excercises

Towel Stretch

Gastrocnemius Stretch

Soleus Stretch

Foot Doming

Towel Scrunches

Toe Motion

What if my symptoms fail to resolve?

NHS 24 MSK Help app

Self-Referral Form

Big toe joint pain is caused by stiffness and reduced movement in the joint at the base of the big toe.

It is a common condition that usually improves with the right self-management and footwear changes.