Osteoarthritis of the Big Toe

Arthritis at the base of the big toe is known as hallux rigidus.

It commonly affects active and sporty people as a result of repeated trauma. It results in pain and stiffness at the base of the big toe. This is especially noticeable on the upward bending caused by walking or running. Hallux rigidus also causes a bump on the top of the big toe.

Treatment of Arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus) without an operation

As with arthritis of any joint avoiding those activities which cause the symptoms is one option. Obviously not everyone is happy to do this. In ladies, symptoms may be relieved by avoiding high heels.

Anti-inflammatory medications and gels may also help.

Stiffening the sole of the shoe may also improve symptoms, although the effects are often shortlived.

Your doctor will advise you if lesser forms of surgery such as removal of bony spurs is appropriate.

Treatment of Arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus) with an operation

Surgery should be undertaken if your symptoms are significant, and appropriate treatment without surgery is not satisfactory to you. There are two forms of surgery: “cheilectomy” and “fusion”.

What is Cheilectomy?

This is an operation to remove the extra bump of bone (shaded in grey in the diagram) on the top of the big toe. It increases the joint movement, and is successful in reducing symptoms in 90% of patients with less severe arthritis. If cheilectomy fails, it is possible to perform fusion at a later date. After cheilectomy patients can suffer with persisting stiffness, or the arthritis can progress.

The recovery from cheilectomy is quicker than the recovery from fusion. Over the first two weeks you will be in a stiff soled shoe, to allow the skin to heal. After this you will be advised on exercises to start the joint moving. Performing these exercises early, and regularly will help you to get the best possible result from your surgery.

What is fusion?

A fusion is an operation when the bone at the base of the toe (the metatarsal bone) is fused to the toe bone (phalanx) producing a stiff joint. It is normally performed for more severe arthritis. Any bony bump is usually trimmed at the same time.

The operation aims to re-align the great toe and get rid of the pain. It maintains strength of the great toe and reduces pain, but movement is lost.

Because the operation involves holding raw bone edges together while they heal, a plate and screws are usually inserted. The foot is usually protected in a post-operative shoe. The screws may need removal at a later date if they cause symptoms.

What can I expect after the operation?

Both types of surgery are usually performed either as a day-case (where you do not have to stay in hospital over night at all), or with a stay in hospital over-night.

After the operation, you will wake up with your foot in a bandage. The post-operative pain is controlled with medication. In order to minimise swelling, you will need to keep your foot up for the two weeks following the operation.

What can I do once I am discharged?

To start with you will need to rest with your foot up, on a stool, or across the sofa, most of the time. When the foot is lowered it will throb and swell. This should be avoided. With time, the period you can keep the foot down will increase. After two to three weeks you should be able to keep it down most of the time.

At around two weeks after surgery, you will return for removal of stitches. Following this your recovery will depend on the sort of operation you have had.

Cheilectomy: After cheilectomy you will start your exercises to mobilise the foot. You will need an open toed sandal, preferably with adjustable straps, for four to six weeks.

Fusion

On average, you should expect to spend six weeks in the post-operative shoe. After this you will need an open toed sandal, preferably with adjustable straps. It will be a further six to eight weeks before you can wear a standard shoe for a working day. It is usually three to six months from the operation before you can hope to resume recreational walking or light sporting activities.

In the longer-term many patients will be able to run and participate in sports after a fusion. This cannot be guaranteed.

If you are slower than these times do not panic, they are only averages, but let your surgeon know when you attend follow-up.