Tendonitis on the 1st toe

The reason why the soles of the feet hurt on the sides or toes is often gout. Due to an imbalance in purine metabolism, in this disease, uric acid crystals accumulate in the lower limbs. This leads to periodic severe pain, high blood pressure, swelling and foot deformities. If left untreated, gout leads to the formation of skin lumps with white content (tophi). In addition, uric acid compounds are deposited in the joints and internal organs.

Doctors discuss the diagnosis

Tendonitis – diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

Menisitis is characterized by pain in the sesamoid bones under the head of the first metatarsal bone, which may be accompanied by inflammation or fracture. The diagnosis is usually made based on clinical findings. Treatment is limited to wearing orthopedic shoes and bioprostheses.

Sesamoiditis is a common cause of metatarsalgia. The two sesamoid bones are involved in the musculoskeletal system of the foot. The sesamoid bone of the tibia is located medially and the sesamoid bone of the foot is located lateral. Damage or displacement of the sesamoid bones during a foot injury (e.g., lateral displacement of the sesamoid bone when the big toe is turned outward) can result in pain. Sesamoiditis is particularly common in dancers, runners, and people with arched feet or who wear high-heeled shoes. Many people with big toe bursitis have tibial sesamoiditis.

(See also Overview of Foot and Ankle Disorders).

bones in the foot

Symptoms and signs of tibial sesamoiditis

The pain in sesamoiditis occurs below the head of the first metatarsal bone; The pain usually worsens when standing or wearing soft, thin-soled shoes or high heels. Sometimes there is moderate swelling and local fever, less often there is redness, which in the event of inflammation can spread medially and appear to involve the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. A fracture of the sesamoid bone also causes pain, moderate swelling, and possibly inflammation.

  • Clinical assessment
  • Arthrocentesis, when there is ring-shaped swelling of the joint
  • Imaging studies if a fracture, osteoarthritis or dislocation is suspected

With dorsiflexion of the foot and thumb, the heads of the metatarsals should be examined and palpated individually. The sesamoid bones are painful, especially on the tibial side. Hyperkeratosis, which can manifest as calluses or skin growths, can also cause pain.

If inflammation and circular swelling develops in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, a puncture may be necessary to rule out gout and infectious arthritis.

A radiological examination is indicated if a fracture, osteoarthritis or dislocation of the sesamoid bone is suspected. Sesamoid bones, divided into fragments by spacers made of cartilage or fibrous tissue, may show signs of fracture on x-ray. If the X-ray image is not informative, an MRI should be performed.

How is the foot examined?

VIDEO How to conduct an ankle joint examination

VIDEO

Broken toe: causes and symptoms

The phalanges of the toes are most often injured by dropping something that is too heavy, by a violent blow, or by accidentally twisting the foot. In some cases, fractures are caused by conditions such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.

Most fractures are stress fractures: it is a microfracture in which the skin does not break and the bone is not displaced. Fragmentary fractures are less common: the bone breaks in several places. The diagnosis of an open fracture is simple: bony protrusions can be seen. The correct assessment of the severity of the injury determines the appropriate treatment.

The main symptoms of a broken toe include:

  • visible swelling;
  • unbearable pain;
  • deformation of the toe bone;
  • Bruise; Bruise;
  • Crunching when you try to move your foot;
  • tingling, cooling, numbness;
  • An open wound with bleeding.

What complications can occur after a toe fracture?

Don't think that a toe injury is harmless. A number of problems can arise after an injury. If a hematoma has formed, the nail can be removed. In case of irregular tissue fusion, surgical intervention is required: an osteotomy is performed to correct the joint and bone deformity.

There is also a risk of infection if the skin around the broken finger becomes inflamed. Redness, swelling, pus, soft tissue and fever are signs of infection. In this case, antibiotics are essential.

To avoid the consequences of a rupture, it is important to consult a qualified specialist. Not only podiatrists and orthopedists, but also osteopathic doctors and physiotherapists diagnose and treat injured limbs. The specialists make their diagnosis after examining and evaluating x-ray images. In some cases, CT, MRI, ultrasound and bone scans are also required.

symptoms

The main symptom of the disease is pain in the area of the first toe, which increases with exertion, especially when moving the toes, as the flexion and extension function is impaired. However, this does not mean that once the pathological process has developed, severe pain in the foot immediately appears; the disease is characterized by slow progression. The pain symptoms increase as the layer of subcutaneous fat that covers the foot and is under pressure becomes thinner.

The disease is dangerous in that the inflammation, if not treated in a timely manner, weakens the tendons, destroys the bone and puts the patient at risk of fracture of the sesamoid bone. Such a fracture cannot heal on its own, so surgical treatment is often required.

Beautiful and harmful shoes

In women who wear uncomfortable footwear (tight, high-heeled shoes), in athletes who constantly put pressure on their feet, and in older people with osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, the pain and therefore the disease itself progresses more quickly. Valgus deformity of the 1st toe plays a major role in progression.

Let's look at why fingers hurt and what other symptoms are characteristic of sesamoiditis. The pain is caused by pressure on the nerve endings or damage to the ligamentous apparatus, but in addition to the pain, there are other symptoms of the disease:

  • Sensory disturbances in the 1st finger – numbness;
  • Swelling in the area of the 1st finger (gigantism), which is associated with a bone fracture;
  • Crepitation of the finger joint;
  • Impairment of joint mobility.

By the way, cracking the finger is often accompanied by increased pain, and increasing swelling can indicate the beginning of a bone fracture. It is not uncommon for an untreated fracture to cause inflammation of the surrounding tissue, which can lead to necrosis and gangrene. And gangrene is a dangerous condition that requires amputation. If gangrene occurs, the affected area must be amputated, starting at the metatarsal-toe joint line.

diagnosis

The disease is diagnosed when a person complains of pain in the 1st toe area with limitation of movement. The doctor first orders an X-ray to differentiate the disease from fractures, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. If possible, an MRI scan will be ordered. In conjunction with the examination, clinical symptoms and MRI or X-ray findings, a diagnosis is made and treatment is recommended.

There are situations in which the diagnosis is difficult, especially if there is a tissue infection or severe swelling. In such cases it may be necessary to puncture the joint. This helps rule out gout, arthritis and diseases with similar symptoms. Another diagnostic method is ultrasound examination of the joints. This is an inexpensive and effective method for detecting many joint and soft tissue pathologies as well as blood vessels.

Broken Finger Symptoms (Signs)

The bone structure of this part of the body is such that fractures often occur in several places at the same time. All signs are divided into two groups: relative and absolute. The former indicate the presence of a fracture and are expressed as such:

Absolute symptoms clearly indicate destruction of the finger bones. These symptoms include:

The symptoms of a broken big toe can be included in a group of their own. It consists of only two bones, unlike the others, which each have three phalanges. Therefore, intra-articular changes are often observed in the deformity. A broken big toe causes very severe pain, sometimes making it impossible to walk on the painful foot. There is severe swelling that spreads over the entire foot and takes on a distinct bluish color.

causes of injury

The factors that cause a toe fracture are traumatic or pathological. The former include external mechanical pressure or shock. These situations can occur both at work and at home. The most common causes of this type of injury are:

  • Unfortunate falls;
  • Hitting a hard object with the toe of your foot;
  • Forefoot injuries caused by heavy objects;
  • Motor vehicle accidents.

Fractures of the big toe can also be caused by pathological causes. They are caused by various diseases that weaken bone tissue. This leads to the fact that the phalanges of the phalange cannot withstand even normal loads, and any excessive load leads to deformation. Osteoporosis is considered the most common disease affecting bone health.

Toe fractures are common during sporting activities. Some exercises put a lot of strain on the bones of the foot, which increases the risk of injury. For example, a soccer player can suffer this disease if he fails to hit the ball correctly.

Which doctor should you see?

Even if a toe injury does not cause any obvious symptoms of pain, you should seek medical attention if there are any signs of it. Only a doctor is able to make a correct diagnosis and determine the presence of pathology. In the event of such an injury, he or she will initiate treatment:

specificity of treatment

Surgical treatment is required for infected wounds, abscesses, or significant damage to joints or ligaments. In other cases, conservative treatment may be sufficient:

  • elimination of pain and swelling;
  • elimination of inflammation;
  • improve blood circulation;
  • regeneration of joint tissue;
  • strengthening of ligaments;
  • Normalization of the load distribution on the feet;
  • improving local immunity;
  • Restoration of foot function.

To achieve these goals, drug (anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting drugs, etc.) and non-drug methods such as physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises and massage are used. Only an integrated approach can fully treat the pathologies that cause pain and numbness in the sole of the foot.

sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is pain near the two small bones (sesamoid) under the metatarsal head, where it attaches to the big toe (head of the first metatarsal).

The cause of sesamoiditis is usually repeated trauma. Sometimes there is a bone fracture (Where Foot Bone Fractures Occur Where Foot Bone Fractures Occur) or inflammation of the bone or surrounding tissue. Changes in the structure of the foot can sometimes cause the sesamoid bones to shift (dislocation) and cause pain.

Sesamoiditis is particularly common in dancers, runners, and people with significant arch elevation, as well as people who frequently wear high-heeled shoes. Many people with bunions People with bunions have an enlargement (bulging) of the joint at the base of the big toe. Variations in the position or movement of the joint between the big toe and the foot can disrupt the joint. Read more about sesamoiditis.

Symptoms of sesamoiditis

The pain of sesamoiditis is felt under the base of the big toe (first metatarsal joint). The pain usually worsens when walking, especially when wearing thin-soled shoes, flexible shoes, or high-heeled boots. The area may be hot and swollen, and the big toe may become red.

The diagnosis of sesamoiditis is made by examining the foot.

If gout or infectious arthritis is suspected, the doctor will use a needle to take a sample of fluid from the joint (called 'joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)'). This is sometimes necessary to make or confirm a diagnosis. Read more ' or 'arthrocentesis').

X-ray examination Your doctor can often diagnose a musculoskeletal disorder based on your medical history and physical examination. To make or confirm the diagnosis, an x-ray examination is sometimes necessary. Read more and sometimes MRI Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Often a doctor can diagnose a musculoskeletal disorder based on your medical history and physical examination. To make or confirm the diagnosis it is sometimes necessary. Read more information (MRI) to rule out osteoarthritis, sprain, or fracture of the sesamoid bone.

Treatment options.

Treatment of the disease consists of:

If conservative therapy does not work and the symptoms cannot be eliminated by treatment, removal of the sesamoid bone is indicated. However, the information about this procedure is somewhat contradictory, since in some cases there is a risk of complications from the manipulation.

pain relief

What risks are associated with the disease?

Sesamoiditis as such is not life-threatening. However, it should be noted that there are still some risks to health in general. In particular, the mobility of the department may be significantly reduced, and the condition and functionality of the affected ligaments will gradually deteriorate.

The prognosis for recovery from sesamoiditis is generally positive. Most cases can be treated conservatively. This eliminates the symptoms and creates the conditions for complete recovery of the department.

If left untreated, there is a risk of a number of complications and degeneration of the tendon tissue in the sesamoid bone.

See our video about the characteristics of tendinitis and sesamoiditis:

Syndactyly surgery in Moscow

The CELT Pediatric Surgery Clinic invites you to undergo syndactyly surgery of the fingers and toes in Moscow. We have been operating in the national market of paid medical services for more than twenty-five years, providing treatment and diagnostics in accordance with international standards.

Your child will be cared for by experienced pediatric surgeons with the highest qualifications. They have decades of experience and hundreds of successful operations behind them. Their good knowledge of child psychology allows them to quickly find a common language with their young patients. The correct attitude of the child is important because it influences the outcome of the operation.

Surgery for foot and hand syndactyly is preceded by a thorough diagnosis. In our multidisciplinary clinic we have a strong diagnostic service that allows us to carry out a comprehensive examination, identify contraindications, determine the scope of the procedure and draw up a treatment plan. The treatment uses anesthetics specifically designed for the children's body. They are harmless, but have the desired effect, so there is no pain or discomfort.

The cost of syndactyly surgery is calculated individually, taking into account the complexity of the case and the technique used. After the consultation and diagnosis, ask your doctor for the exact amounts. Preliminary figures can be found in the 'Services and prices' section in this part of our official website. We update our price lists regularly, but to avoid any confusion, please contact our staff at +7 (495) 788-33-88.

Doctors who operate on syndactyly:

Specialists differentiate between congenital and acquired syndactyly. The first is the most common and occurs during fetal development. The factors that trigger them are.

  • Genetic predisposition inherited from parents;
  • uncontrolled intake of drugs by the pregnant woman at an early stage;
  • Exposure of the pregnant woman's body to toxic substances;
  • exposure to X-rays;
  • Infections suffered during pregnancy.

Acquired syndactyly occurs as a complication of severe burns. The classification of the disease in orthopedics is based on various parameters that you can find in our table below:

  • fusion of the third and fourth toes and fusion of the fourth toe;
  • Fusion of the fourth and fifth toes along with duplication of the fifth toe.

diagnosis

The appearance of symptoms of exostosis requires a visit to an orthopedist/traumatologist. During this visit, the doctor will carefully examine the finger, palpate the joint, and determine the nature of the symptoms. If solid bone mass is detected, an X-ray examination is recommended.

With their help, it is possible not only to diagnose exostosis of the toe, but also to assess its location and size. The X-ray image also provides information about the degree of deformation of the toe phalanges and enables the most efficient treatment to be planned. In rare cases, CT and MRI examinations are also recommended.

Treatment of exostosis of the fingers and toes

To relieve pain and inflammation, patients are prescribed drug therapy. This is selected individually depending on the complexity of the situation and the type of chronic illness of the patient. The most commonly prescribed medications are NSAIDs in the form of ointments, gels, creams, or oral forms. However, their use does not lead to bone loss and cartilage growth, but only to the elimination of symptoms.

The only effective treatment for phalangeal exostosis is surgery. It is indicated in cases of:

  • large exostosis;
  • deformity of the finger;
  • Persistent pain syndrome;
  • Complications or signs of malignant disease.

The operation is not technically demanding and can even be carried out under local anesthesia. The most common method is resection of the tumor in the peripheral area. A transverse incision is made in the projection of the bone growth. The size of the cut depends on the size of the mass, but is usually on the order of a few millimeters. The soft tissues are carefully separated from the bone to obtain a good view of the exostosis and determine its exact boundaries.

The growth is then carefully removed within the healthy tissue using a surgical chisel or other instrument. It is important that the surgeon completely removes the entire tumor, including the cartilage, otherwise there is a high risk of recurrence. The surgical wound is vigorously irrigated with physiological solution to flush out the smallest bone particles, and only then the wound is sutured and covered with a sterile bandage.

If the patient is found to have a phalangeal deformity, a corrective osteotomy is indicated. This operation not only removes the osteochondral exostosis, but also files the bone and reassembles the fragments so that the phalanx is anatomically correct. The bone is fixed with special metal systems, the wound is stitched and covered with a sterile bandage.

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