Big-Toe Osteoarthritis
Injection Therapy
Specialist assessment and corticosteroid injection therapy
for painful big-toe osteoarthritis in our Clanfield clinic
What Is Big-Toe Osteoarthritis?
Big-toe osteoarthritis affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint — the large joint at the base of the big toe. It is also commonly known as hallux rigidus.
This joint plays an important role during walking, particularly as you push forward over the foot. When the joint becomes painful or stiff, walking, hills, stairs, running and certain footwear can become uncomfortable.
Some people also notice swelling, reduced movement or a bony prominence over the top of the joint.
Want to Learn More About Big-Toe Osteoarthritis?
Read more about hallux rigidus, footwear, walking, rehabilitation and the wider treatment options available.
When Can an Injection Help?
Corticosteroid injection can be helpful when big-toe osteoarthritis is particularly painful or irritable and symptoms are affecting walking, footwear, exercise or everyday activity.
Reducing pain can make movement more comfortable and provide a useful opportunity to improve walking tolerance, strength and activity.
Your specialist will assess the joint, your available movement, footwear, walking pattern and what you would like to get back to before discussing whether an injection could be useful for you.
Is Corticosteroid the Only Treatment?
No. Treatment for big-toe osteoarthritis is based on how the joint is affecting your walking, footwear and the activities you want to do.
Footwear can make a significant difference. A firmer sole or rocker-style shoe can reduce the amount of movement required through the big-toe joint during walking.
Rehabilitation may also include maintaining comfortable joint movement, strengthening the foot and calf and improving how load is distributed during walking.
Injection therapy can form part of this wider plan when reducing pain would help you move more comfortably and stay active.
If symptoms remain significantly limiting despite appropriate treatment, your specialist can also advise whether a foot-and-ankle surgical opinion may be helpful.
Do I Need an X-ray Before an Injection?
Not everyone needs new imaging before treatment.
Big-toe osteoarthritis can often be recognised from your symptoms and clinical examination. An X-ray can be helpful to confirm the diagnosis, understand the degree of joint change or guide decisions about further treatment.
If you already have imaging, your specialist can review this alongside your symptoms and examination findings.
Specialist Big-Toe Injections in Clanfield
Assessment and injection therapy for big-toe osteoarthritis are available within our specialist Foot & Ankle service in Clanfield.
Your specialist will assess how the joint is affecting your walking and activity and discuss whether corticosteroid injection, rehabilitation, footwear modification, imaging or onward referral would be the most useful next step. Suzanne Gray’s current specialist profile includes big-toe osteoarthritis and injection therapy within her Foot, Ankle & Knee practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big-Toe Osteoarthritis Injections
Where Is the Injection Given?
How Quickly Might the Injection Work?
What Is the Aim of the Injection?
Will I Still Need to Think About Footwear?
Can a Big-Toe Injection Be Repeated?
When Might Surgery Be Considered?
Not Sure Whether an Injection Is Right for You?
You do not need to know whether corticosteroid is the right treatment before contacting us.
Tell us about your big-toe pain, how it is affecting walking, footwear or activity and what you would like help with. Your enquiry will be reviewed by our Foot & Ankle specialist, Suzanne Gray who can advise you on the most appropriate next step.
