Arthritis of the Toe
Arthritis is a possible cause of toe joint pain. The most common place to get arthritis in the foot is at the base of the big toe in the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). The big toe is in constant motion as we walk, making it prone to wear and tear. This results in stiffening of the big toe, known as Hallux Rigidus.
Common symptoms of arthritis include pain in the joint, especially during the ‘push off’ phase of walking, inflammation and stiffness. Toe arthritis may be linked with foot injuries or episodes of gout, but often develop with no obvious cause.
Osteoarthritis of the big toe may develop from problems with foot structure and function, resulting in excess wear and tear. Traumas such as fracture or dislocation of the big toe may also result in osteoarthritis.
Gout
This is a condition where crystals develop within the joints. These crystals form as a result of the improper metabolizing of uric acid. When uric acid accumulates, these crystals can form in one or more joints. Symptoms include sudden onset of intense pain usually at night, inflammation, and redness of the affected joint.
Hammer Toe
The middle toe joint bends up, causing the toe to arch.
Mallet Toe
The tip of the toe bends down, preventing the toe from straightening.
Claw Toe
The middle and terminal toe joints bend down, turning the toe into a claw shape. This often affects multiple toes.
Bunions
The big toe gradually deviates inwards, pushing the base of the toe outwards. A hard lump develops on the outer side of the big toe and the toe starts to cross over neighboring toes. Pain is not always present.
Morton’s Neuroma
This is caused by a thickening in the tissue, which surrounds the nerve causing irritation and compression of the nerve. Pain, tingling, and numbness are felt between the toes and the sole of the foot. This may be due to other foot problems such as bunions, Hammer Toe or flat feet and by wearing tight or high-heeled shoes.
Sesamoiditis
This occurs when there is inflammation of the Sesamoid bones and surrounding tendons. The usual causes are wearing of high-heeled shoes, activities that place a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot e.g. ballet, or suddenly increasing activity levels such as running.
Turf Toe
This is a common sports-related injury and like Sesamoiditis is characterized by pain of the big toe joint. The pain stems from a sprain injury, which damages the ligaments of the toe. This condition may cause stiffness, inflammation, and pain at the big toe joint. This is a hyperextension injury where the big toe bends too far, due to sports activities on hard surfaces.
Treating Toe Joint Pain
Typical measures include:
- Exercises to strengthen and stretch the foot and ankle
- Orthotics – shoe inserts to correct the foot position
- Steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
- Ice packs, to reduce pain and inflammation
- Supports – compression bandages or ankle and foot supports or splints
- Toe stretchers specially designed inserts that sit between the toes
- Low-level laser therapy – B-Cure Laser
B-Cure Laser is effective in the treatment of pain, it helps treat inflammation, reduces pain and swelling.
B-Cure Laser provides breakthrough laser therapy, offering the power of some professional lasers as used in clinics, in a lightweight portable device that may be used from the comfort of home.
B-Cure Laser’s restorative power is provided by advanced laser technology. The treatment is safe, effective and may provide lasting pain relief.
B-Cure Laser should be placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate the tissues. This stimulates the body to produce adenosine triphosphate otherwise known as ATP, which carries energy within the cells. The ATP interacts with various biomolecules inside the cells promoting normal cell function and enhancing the body’s natural processes.
Patients recover from muscular, skeletal, and nerve injuries as cells regenerate faster and function better.
Research has proved that using the B-Cure Laser for painful joint conditions provides cells with more energy to perform their functions.
Therapeutic effects of LLLT (laser phototherapy) include:
- Increased production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- Increased cellular metabolism
- Increased collagen production
- Increased enzyme production
- Increased protein synthesis
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved lymphatic flow and drainage
- Reduced inflammation
All this serves to boost the body’s natural healing power, targeting the root causes of pain and providing rapid relief.
B-Cure Laser is unique due to it’s beam that covers a surface of 4.5 cm, making it possible to treat a wide range of painful conditions easily, effectively and quickly. B-Cure Laser is safe for all ages, and does not require protective eyewear during use.
What Are the Benefits of B-Cure Laser?
- May reduce chronic pain
- Non-invasive and non-surgical treatment
- Suitable for all ages
- No known side effects
- Clinically proven by many studies
- Easy and safe for home use
Treatment Protocol
Treat along the length of the big toe for a duration of 8 minutes and additionally treat the small toe for a duration of 8 minutes. Also, treat along the line which separates the base of the toes from the sole of the foot.
To make treatment more convenient, use the adjustable stand. Stabilize the device and the stand and treat the area without moving, so that the laser beam penetrates deep into the tissues.
In order to reach optimal results, repeat the treatment at least twice a day.
