Inflammation of the big toe bone is a complication of hallux valgus, which is combined with gout or arthritis (less often, infectious infection). In this case, the joint itself is damaged and its primary structure is disrupted. What are the dangers of inflammation of a bunion in the foot? Complete destruction of the joint of the phalanx (including the cartilaginous bursa), as well as discomfort that the patient experiences even when walking in open shoes. Also, inflammation of the joint may indicate an infectious disease, including tuberculosis (with penetration into the bone marrow).
So, what can cause bone inflammation in a healthy person? The main reasons given by doctors:
And some scientists indicate that inflammation of the big toe bone is a consequence of a sharp increase in the amount of histamines in the blood. This is partly true, because it is well known that for the most part women after 40 years of age (after menopause) are predisposed to hallux valgus.
Bursitis can also lead to signs of illness. This is a physical excessive load on a part of the joint, which causes blood flow to temporarily increase here and may cause displacement and compression of the nerve roots. Damage to the bone on the big toe in this case is accompanied by severe pain.
It is quite difficult to relieve inflammation of the bones in the leg and swelling, if they are caused by hallux valgus. As a rule, such symptoms occur already at a late stage of the disease, when the deformation becomes quite severe and the contents of the joint capsule are squeezed out. In this case, the foot can move quite significantly from its normal position. In such situations, conservative therapy will not help - it is only necessary to surgically remove the calcified growth (or using ultrasound, if this is possible according to the doctor’s decision).
But at an early stage, the bunions on the big toe can be removed quite easily with the help of specialized clamps. They force the phalanx to assume its normal position, thereby eliminating the displacement. But this will not help if there is a change in the physiological structure of the joint. Such bones on the legs can only be removed, in which part of the joint can be replaced or pressed with screws (if atrophy of the connective tissue is partially observed).
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Valgus joint deformities, popularly called bunions, can cause a lot of trouble.
Sometimes such a lump is mistaken for a local inflammatory process that has arisen for completely different reasons. In order not to make a mistake, and also not to harm yourself with incorrectly selected therapeutic agents, you should understand what other factors can provoke pain with swelling of the joints of the legs.
When there is an inflamed lump on the foot near the big toe, the main symptom that causes severe discomfort is pain of varying intensity - from moderate to pronounced. In addition, inflammation of the bone may be accompanied by:
Manifestations of the inflammatory process gradually increase, it becomes impossible to support the affected leg, and motor functions are significantly impaired.
The causes of the onset of inflammation are different. Most often, a painful bone in the foot becomes the result of deformation, which is a consequence of age-related changes with the progression of transverse flatfoot with joint hypermobility (dysplastic syndrome). Common causes are also damage to the joints of the legs caused by arthritis and arthrosis, including:
Painful swelling of the bunion can result from a leg injury or bursitis. In the second case, inflammation affecting the periarticular mucous bursa is caused by frequent mechanical damage to the joint and infection. As a result, fluid accumulates and the walls of the mucous membrane thicken. Purulent bursitis is characterized by hyperemic swelling with high fever.
Sometimes there is redness and swelling around the nail, spreading to the base of the big toe. The reason for this is the ingrowth of the edge of the nail under the nail fold. Most often it occurs as a result of wearing tight shoes or cutting the side surface of the nail too short.
The reasons that the bone on the foot at the base of the big toe is inflamed may also be:
As a rule, in orthopedic pathology, the deformation at the stage of inflammation is well expressed, with significant abduction of the finger and an increase in the articular bone. It is important to prevent further development of the disease by taking measures to treat the disease at the initial stage.
Inflamed bone on the foot near the big toe
Inflammation of the bunion on the big toe requires mandatory attention, and treatment is directed to the disease that caused damage to the joint. Timely initiation of therapy significantly alleviates the condition, stops the inflammatory process, until complete recovery. However, advanced cases, despite a decrease in pain after treatment, often do not allow a final recovery to be achieved.
Self-medication and self-diagnosis worsen the prognosis. Treatment of orthopedic disorders is long-term. The necessary therapy should be prescribed only by a doctor after diagnosis and examination using instrumental diagnostic methods.
Treatment for inflammation of the leg bone, the formation of which is associated with degenerative processes in the joint, includes the use of various orthopedic products. Correction of pathology is carried out using:
The selection of a special corrector is made individually, taking into account the disorders and the resulting deformation of the legs. Patients should avoid tight boots and shoes that put pressure on the bone, including those with high heels. Restriction of physical activity on the legs is required.
Fixation devices refer to various products that help keep bones and joints in the desired position. To fix the thumb, various bandages are used:
To align the joint, abduction orthoses (hard night or soft daytime) are also used, which help slow down the deformation and reduce pain in the leg.
Drug treatment is aimed at relieving inflammation in the area, relieving pain, reducing swelling of the bone and restoring functional mobility of the thumb. Drug therapy for orthopedic pathology is carried out using:
Medicines can be used in tablet form, in the form of injections, ointments, and gels. Additionally, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed.
For infectious (ingrowing nails) and fungal diseases that cause inflammation, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and external antiseptics are used.
Physiotherapeutic treatment has a number of contraindications, so it is carried out strictly as prescribed by the doctor. This may include applications with paraffin, ozokerite, laser therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound physiotherapy with corticosteroids, hydrotherapy and other procedures. Physical therapy and foot massage are also used.
An inflamed bone, as a rule, is the result of active changes in the joints, which makes the normal functioning of the legs difficult, and treating the inflammatory process becomes a difficult task. It is easier to stop the progression of the disease at the initial stage.
Performing a set of effective exercises for bunion relief helps to gradually restore joint mobility. This can be various flexion-extension of the toes, spreading them, rolling a regular rolling pin or bottle with your feet on the floor, as well as lifting objects with your fingers. A noticeable effect can only be achieved with daily exercise. It's better if it's several approaches a day.
If there are no contraindications, then a foot massage can be performed to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and tension. You can do it yourself, kneading your feet with your knuckles, or use various massagers for these purposes: mats, rollers, electrical devices. In order not to provoke deterioration, you should not carry out the procedure without first consulting a doctor.
To relieve pain and swelling at the base of the big toe, you can use cool compresses that are applied to the inflamed bumps on the feet. Baths with iodine and sea salt are used for the same purpose.
The use of medicinal plants when applying compresses to the bones can give a good therapeutic effect.
Inflammation of the big toe bone and painful valgus of the foot, which should be treated with traditional medicine, can be additionally corrected with alternative medicines. Traditional treatment for finger bones is carried out:
The use of traditional medicine should not be the only method of treatment. Worsening the situation with deformation of the leg joints may lead to the need for surgical treatment.
In severe cases, surgical procedures are required. For bursitis, a puncture of the cavity with aspiration of fluid can be performed. If there are purulent abscesses, open them and drain them. Serious orthopedic pathologies require surgery, which can be performed minimally invasive or open.
Currently, there are several methods of reconstructive surgical treatment of bunions. The choice of the most appropriate one depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s disease. Surgery has contraindications and is not performed for diseases of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems (heart failure, thrombosis, peripheral vascular diseases, blood clotting disorders), high obesity, and damage to the nervous system due to diabetes. It should be borne in mind that surgical treatment does not guarantee complete recovery.
Inflammation and swelling of the bones in the leg are largely provoked by increased stress. You can avoid it by limiting excessive physical activity, avoiding prolonged standing or walking, and also getting rid of excess weight. Comfortable conditions for the legs, sufficient rest at the first signs of fatigue are an opportunity to prevent relapses of the inflammatory process and progression of the disease.
Diet plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of joint pathology.
The main principles of dietary nutrition are:
Food should meet the body's needs for vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, calcium, and collagen.