When you have foot pain and every step hurts, simple daily activities like walking, exercising, or wearing your favorite shoes can be a struggle. In about a quarter of patients 50 or older, big toe arthritis is the cause of such foot pain.
If arthritis has taken hold of your big toe joint, you may already know how much it limits mobility and reduces quality of life as it progresses.
At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah, we understand that ongoing pain and stiffness in the big toe (also known as hallux rigidus) can make it hard to stay active.
For patients who’ve tried nonsurgical treatments without lasting relief, joint fusion surgery may offer a permanent solution.
The big toe or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint plays a significant role in balance and movement. It bends every time you walk, run, or climb stairs. Over time, wear-and-tear or past injuries can cause the cartilage in this joint to break down.
Without enough cushioning, the bones rub against each other, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain — classic signs of arthritis.
You may notice symptoms such as:
While arthritis in this joint often starts gradually, it can progress and eventually make walking or standing for long periods uncomfortable.
Big toe arthritis symptoms are similar to those of bunions (hallux valgus), which develop when there’s a misalignment in the MTP joint. If the lump projects to the side, it’s likely a bunion, but we can confirm which it is at your consultation.
In the early stages of big toe arthritis, nonsurgical treatments can often provide relief. These may include:
However, when these no longer work and pain becomes constant, it’s time to consider a more definitive treatment. That’s where surgical options like joint fusion (arthrodesis) come in.
Joint fusion surgery involves permanently joining two bones in the affected joint: the base of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone.
During the procedure, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Greg Brockbank, removes the remaining cartilage from both bone surfaces and positions the bones to heal together.
He uses screws, plates, or plates with an interfragmentary compression screw to keep the bones aligned as they fuse into a single, solid structure.
By eliminating the joint’s motion, fusion removes the source of discomfort. Patients can walk comfortably without the grinding or stiffness that once made every step painful.
Joint fusion has a long history of success and remains the gold standard for severe big toe arthritis. The benefits include:
Because the joint no longer moves, the arthritic pain disappears.
The fused joint provides a strong, stable base for walking and balance.
Many patients find they can wear a wider variety of comfortable shoes again.
Unlike joint replacements, which can wear out over time, fusion is designed to last for life.
Most patients return to normal activities after recovery, including walking, biking, and even hiking. The fused toe may not bend at the joint, but most people adapt easily and notice little limitation in everyday activities.
Recovery from big toe joint fusion typically takes several weeks, depending on your activity level and overall health. After surgery, you’ll likely wear a surgical boot or cast to protect the foot while the bones heal.
During the first few weeks, limit weight-bearing on the affected foot. As healing progresses, you can gradually increase your activity levels. Physical therapy and supportive footwear help you regain strength and balance.
Most patients return to regular shoes after 6-8 weeks, though complete bone fusion can take a few months. We closely monitor your healing throughout this time, ensuring a smooth and safe recovery.
Living with big toe arthritis can take the joy out of walking and movement. If you’ve reached the point where pain affects your daily life, it may be time to consider a more permanent fix.
Schedule an evaluation at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic by phone or online and take the first step toward long-term comfort and mobility.
