There are a few reasons as to why your toe would hurt. This could include an ingrown toenail, arthritis, sesamoiditis (this is just a fancy word for inflammation of the bones under your ball of the foot inline with the big toe), fractures, gout, bone infections, and the list goes on.

The big toe joint is important during gait or towards the of the contact phase of gait when your foot starts lifting of the ground, called propulsion.

A partially normal or non-painful big toe would have around 65 degrees of motion when non-weightbearing, a painful toe generally does not have this amount.

If your big toe does not work well then toe off, must still occur to be able to clear the ground whilst walking, your body then looks for an alternate way to be able to do so, such as:

• Increased pronation (rolling in)
• Shortening of the calf muscles
• Toeing of from the side of the big toe
• Turning outwards of the feet

What do we do about it:

• Rest and Ice
• Footwear prescriptions
• Shoe modifications
• Orthotic prescriptions and dispense
• Mobilisation of the big toe
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Remember, that there is no one size fit all approach to patients, and most patients present with different symptoms, whilst the diagnosis may be the same, the cause may not be. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind, profession, activity, age, mental wellbeing, sleep, and a range of different treatment options before prescribing a treatment plan.

To make an immediate appointment and be proactive towards your health call ProHealth Podiatry in Red Hill or Mt Gravatt on (07) 3076 7306 or e-mail info@prohealthpodiatry.com.au.