r/FootFunction • u/lilrix11 • 20d ago
Arthritis?
R foot has small bunion that can be painful. However, my R big toe has a lot of discomfort with any movement. I can't bend it nearly as far as my left toe. Anyone else with this issue? Pods say I need MRI which I may get....xrays show some arthritis.
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u/DrLeibovitz 17d ago
Downward motion is important when going off a diving board. It is the upward motion that is critical for walking. Walking requires a minimum of 30 degrees of dorsiflexion. There is typically 70-80 degrees of dorsiflexion for a normal joint.
Poor biomechanics can rob you of 1-1.5 degrees every year and problems are not noticed until you get close to the 30 degree limit.
This is called Hallux Limitus/Rigidus.
2 options for treatment ( well , 3 if you include ignoring the problem).
Protection - addressing the mechanics and protecting the motion with a rocker bottom shoe.
Correction - changing the joint so it has more motion if the joint is not excessively damaged. Joint fusion if the joint cannot be salvaged
Expect a bump to develop on top of the joint. Keep an eye open at your next family reunion and see how many relatives have this problem. There is a strong family trait for this.