DR. JOHN A. HARDY, OWNER OF TORONTO FOOT CLINIC, ACADEMY FOOT AND ORTHOTIC CLINICS SHARES SOME INFORMATION REGARDING ARTHRITIS IN YOUR BIG TOE WHICH MIGHT BE CAUSING YOUR RUNNING INJURIES

By Dr. Matthew Ellsworth
Special to KyForward

Do you ever get big toe joint pain while or after running? Does it feel stiff or throb during or after running? You may be suffering from arthritis of your big toe joint. 

When you think of arthritis, you often say to yourself, “I’m too young for that”, or “that is only something my grandparents have.” Truth be told, arthritis can affect most anyone at most any age.

Arthritis is break down of the cartilage at joints, which can cause pain, swelling and stiffness, especially with motion.  Highly active people often develop signs of arthritis early in the big toe joint because of the amount of impact and trauma that occurs at the big toe joint with exercise, especially running.

And yes, family history may also play a role in the rate at which arthritis develops and progresses.

No, big toe joint pain due to arthritis does not mean that you are not allowed to run anymore. But it does mean that you should get it checked out to help alleviate the pain and discomfort that you feel. X-rays of your feet can show if you have arthritis of your big toe joint and how extensive it is.

Treatment for big toe joint arthritis often varies on the severity of the arthritis. Treatment may include: ice, rest, NSAIDS, and shoe gear modification.

Changing your running shoe to a stiffer style shoe will often help relieve the stress put on the big toe joint. Steroid injections may also be beneficial for occasional flare ups. One of the most effective treatments for big toe joint arthritis is custom inserts. Custom inserts are molded specifically to your feet and can be modified to offload your big toe joint to improve pain and function.

Surgery may also be an option as a last resort if necessary, if the arthritis is very advanced and other conservative treatment options have failed.

Don’t let your big toe joint pain run away from you. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Get it checked out by your Podiatrist and don’t let the pain derail you from your running. 

Dr. Matthew Ellsworth, AACFAS, is an associate at Lexington Podiatry