Natural Remedies for Bone Spurs of the Big-Toe Joint
Bone spurs typically develop due to bone and joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, calcification due to overuse or excess pressure, and bone or joint trauma. When damage to a bone or joint occurs due to trauma or degeneration, spurs sometimes develop because the body is trying to heal itself, according to Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com 14. Symptoms are often caused by the bone or joint condition leading to a bone spur growth, such as big-toe arthritis, and not necessarily the spur itself.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Big-Toe Joint
This makes big-toe arthritis quite common, and it often leads to bone spurs of the big-toe joint 1.
Symptoms
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Pain that occurs at the big-toe base is the most common symptom. The pain is often worsened by heightened activity such as running, according to Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com 14. You may also notice lack of mobility in the joint. Visible swelling can also occur around the joint, as well as a noticeable bump on top of the foot, explains the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Your health care provider can determine whether your joint cartilage has worn away, or if you have developed bone spurs, through examination and X-rays.
- Pain that occurs at the big-toe base is the most common symptom.
- Visible swelling can also occur around the joint, as well as a noticeable bump on top of the foot, explains the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Common Nonsurgical Treatments
Wear shoes with a stiff or firm sole to prevent movement of the big-toe joint at the base of the toe. Special inserts or shoes can be worn to limit motion also. You can also treat the big-toe condition with alternating hot and cold packs or baths, advises the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2. Taking anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling.
- Wear shoes with a stiff or firm sole to prevent movement of the big-toe joint at the base of the toe.
- You can also treat the big-toe condition with alternating hot and cold packs or baths, advises the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2.
Herbal Treatments
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You can also make a warm compress from linseed oil and apply it to the base of your big toe for pain relief, recommends Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com 14. Glucosamine sulfate may also offer some relief. Check with a naturopath or herbalist and your primary health care provider before using herbal treatments for bone spurs of the big-toe joint.
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References
- Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com: Bone Spurs in the Feet
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Stiff Big Toe – Hallux Rigidus
- Natural Remedies: Bone Spurs
- Arthritis-Treatment-and-Relief.com: Herbal Remedies – Bone Spurs
- Finzel S, Sahinbegovic E, Kocijan R, et al. Inflammatory bone spur formation in psoriatic arthritis is different from bone spur formation in hand osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014;66(11):2968-75. doi:10.1002/art.38794
- Mader R, Verlaan JJ, Eshed I, et al. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): where we are now and where to go next. RMD Open. 2017;3:rmdopen-2017-000472corr1. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000472corr1
- Wong SH, Chiu KY, Yan CH. Review Article: Osteophytes. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2016;24(3):403-410. doi:10.1177/1602400327
- Garving C, Jakob S, Bauer I, et al. Impingement syndrome of the shoulder. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017;114(45):765-776. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0765
- Cleveland Clinic. Is there any help for hard, painful bumps on your fingers from osteoarthritis? Updated April 2019.
- Goel A. Is it necessary to resect osteophytes in degenerative spondylotic myelopathy?. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2013;4(1):1-2. doi:10.4103/0974-8237.121615
- Patel J, Swords M. Hallux rigidus. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 20, 2020.
- Wong SHJ, Chiu KY, Yan CH. Review article: Osteophytes. J Orthop Surg. 2016; 24(3):403-410. doi:10.1177/1602400327
Writer Bio
Cat North began writing for the Web in 2007. Her work appears on various websites such as WORK.COM and info.com. Her writing expertise includes dance, fitness, health, nutrition, media, Web, education and business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in radio, television and film from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration in computer information systems from City University.