Hallux Rigidus

Why is my big toe stiff and painful?

We often don’t realize the importance of small parts of our body until they are out of commission or aren’t able to function properly. The big toe is one of those little parts that have a bigger job than we realize.

Your big toe is used whenever you stand, walk, climb, run or crouch down. A common disorder that affects the big toe joint is something called hallux rigidus. It is the most common form of arthritis in the foot. It causes pain and stiffness and as it progresses over time can make the joint at the base of the big toe unmovable.

How do I know if I have hallux rigidus?

Being able to properly diagnose what you are experiencing is the first step in finding the right course of treatment. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX offers the following symptoms to watch out for with hallux rigidus:

• Difficulty with activities such as running and walking

• A bump resembling a callus or bunion on the top of your foot

• Stiffness in your big toe with a difficulty when bending it up or down

• Swelling or inflammation around the toe joint

• Difficulty wearing shoes

• Pain in the big toe joint

This degenerative condition usually develops from a wear and tear injury. A faulty foot structure, an inherited foot type that is prone to developing the condition, a job that puts stress on your big toe and gout are all causes for hallux rigidus.

Catching the signs of hallux rigidus early makes this condition easier to treat. Bone spurs can develop over time making it more difficult to manage and much more painful. Dr. Bowman can offer several treatment options for hallux rigidus such as: orthotics, physical therapy, medications and shoe modifications or some cases require surgery. Please contact our podiatric office today for help. Call (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Top of the Foot Pain

Are you being stopped in your tracks with pain on the top of your foot?

The average person takes 10,000 steps a day and it can be very frustrating if pain is a part of every step you take. If you are dealing with pain on the top of your foot, you may also be experiencing any one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty walking

• Redness

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Pain that increases with activity

Knowing what is causing your foot pain is the first step in finding the right treatment. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats patients on a regular basis who come in with pain on the top of their foot. Common reasons he finds cause top of foot pain are:

• Aging

• Pregnancy

• Metatarsalgia

• Tendonitis

• Sprains and stress fractures

• Bone Spurs

• Improper footwear

• Nerve entrapment

How can the pain on top of your foot be treated?

To alleviate pain, try resting your foot when possible and using ice and elevation when you can. Avoid any shoes that may be the culprit of your pain and opt for low heeled, supportive and comfortable shoes.

Depending on the severity of your pain, Dr. Bowman can provide several treatment options. The use of custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, can be very effective in providing extra support for your feet and alleviate the symptoms. Medications, injections, physical therapy, immobilization or possible surgery may be required to deal with persistent top of foot pain. The only way to get the right treatment for your pain is to come in and see us for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Make an appointment today by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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