On the phalanx of the big toe, the representatives of the weaker sex sometimes have a bump, which some take for age-related dynamics or a callus from wearing uncomfortable shoes. However, its formation can signal the development of serious pathologies in the body. This growth is called bursitis of the big toe. Gradually, it begins to interfere and causes a feeling of discomfort.
Definition
What is bursitis? Pathology is an inflammation of the periarticular bag, called the bursa, on the big toe.
The joint needs constant lubrication to ensure free movement of the limb. It is produced by a membrane located near the joint.
The influence of various factors leads to the occurrence of an inflammatory process and, as a result, to a violation of the function of the bursa and foot in the future.
Mostly this ailment occurs in women who wear uncomfortable shoes.
Under the pressure on the phalanges of the fingersdeformity of the joint of the big toe is observed. With the constant wearing of tight shoes, it acquires an irregular shape. Similar processes are observed with bruises and injuries. This is how bunions of the big toe occur.
Classification
The following types of disease are distinguished:
- fistulous;
- purulent.
In the first form, a crack appears in the bump, which opens the passage to the bursitis. After an infection, pus may be released from it.
The purulent variety develops due to the entry of microflora into the synovial sac. Such an ailment is most dangerous against the background of the following pathologies:
- arthritis;
- mug;
- furunculosis.
Pus can infect neighboring tissues, forming a phlegmon.
Grounds for emergence
In addition to the factor mentioned above - uncomfortable shoes - there are also a number of others that contribute to the appearance of this ailment.
The causes of bursitis in the big toe are as follows:
- certain autoimmune diseases;
- intoxication of the body;
- allergy;
- congenital foot deformity;
- metabolic disorder;
- lack or excess of calcium;
- infection;
- foot or toe bruises
- congenital and acquired flat feet;
- injuries.
Bursitis sometimes occurs from damage to soft tissues located in the neighborhood.
In addition, ailments can serve as the cause of pathologymusculoskeletal system, psoriasis, arthritis, rheumatism.
Signs
Symptoms of bursitis of the big toe each person can detect on their own. This is:
- expansion in the zone of the first phalanx;
- difficulty in moving;
- paresis of the finger (impaired muscle function (one or more muscles));
- reddening of the skin;
- edema;
- pain syndromes.
In order to verify the development of bursitis, you need to try to squat down. In this case, pain will be felt, passing into the calves.
After some time, additional signs of illness appear:
- growth of bumps with the appearance of corns on its surface;
- normal shoes become uncomfortable to wear;
- recurrent severe pain;
- toe bend to the right.
If you do not see a doctor in time, new symptoms occur:
- flat feet that didn't exist before;
- gait changes;
- cartilage becomes immobile;
- growth overgrown with bone tissue on the metatarsal bone;
- pain is also observed when at rest;
- The inflammatory process is accompanied by the appearance of pus in the periarticular sac.
Mobility of the leg worsens every day.
With purulent bunion of the big toe as a result of the inflammatory process, the body temperature increases, symptoms of intoxication are observed:
- fatigue;
- nausea;
- headache.
Treatment
If treated early, the disease can be cured with drug therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention is applicable.
Treatment is prescribed based on the identified cause of the disease. Its basis should be the correct selection of shoes. Women are advised to choose wide shoes, to refuse heels.
The full course of treatment includes both medical and physical therapy, as well as rehabilitation measures.
If an illness occurs, you need to contact a rheumatologist or orthopedist.
Conservative methods
The joint is fixed with a bandage or plaster to reduce its mobility and pain syndromes. Treatment is started by applying an ointment for bunion of the big toe ("Bystrumgel", "Artrosilen gel", "Fastum gel"). The composition is effective against inflammation and pain. In addition, corticosteroids are prescribed to suppress inflammation of the soft tissues.
When signs of suppuration appear due to the accumulation of large volumes of fluid, the latter is pumped out by puncture.
To prevent secondary formation, a nonsteroidal hormone is injected into the cavity.
With purulent development of the disease or with complications, antibiotics are prescribed for one week - a decade. Compresses are used to heal soft tissues.
After the removal of pain syndromes, inflammatory processes and edema, electrophoresis or paraffin therapy is prescribed.
After taking antibiotics, the doctor prescribes immunomodulators and vitamins, as well as therapeutic exercises.
Anti-inflammatory and painkillers are used as a prophylactic measure to prevent the development of complications:
- "Ketorol";
- "Analgin";
- Nise;
- "Diclofenac";
- Ibuprofen.
If the cause of the pathology is the accumulation of calcium, drug treatment of bursitis of the big toe should be carried out with means that can remove the excess of this substance. If bursitis is caused by calcium deficiency, then the level can be normalized with drugs with a high content of it. The treatment is long, after receiving the result throughout life, it is necessary to control the level of calcium in the body. Such therapy can have a side effect on the hormonal background.
Surgery
In neglected cases and when conservative methods do not help, they resort to operations.
Bursectomy is considered the most benign type of it. In this case, the bone formation is removed through an incision, and, if necessary, a part of the damaged bone. The operation is performed with an electric knife to avoid blood loss and to prevent damage to he althy tissue.
The next operative technique used is osteotomy. Incisions are made on the phalanx from the side of the foot, through which the bone and tissues are moved to the desired position. After that, the changes made are fixed with special plates or structures. With this method, the finger is returned to its normal appearance, straightening out the curvature.
To this day, the method of crushing the bone growth with a chisel is used. After removing the lump, the bone is leveled, the incision from the side of the synovial bag is sutured.
Using the Adjuster Band
Orthopedic bursitis correctors used:
- in the process of rehabilitation after surgery;
- in the treatment of inflammation;
- for bone restoration at the initial stage;
- to reduce pain;
- to relieve excessive load from the finger.
The retainer is placed between the thumb and forefinger.
Folk remedies
For the treatment of bursitis of the big toe, various compresses and infusions are used. They can be used if the disease is not at the last stage and does not have ulcers.
In the treatment of bursitis of the big toe, folk remedies use formulations based on the juice of medicinal plants and decoctions. Basically, Kalanchoe juice and a golden mustache are used. Calendula, burdock, plantain also show a good effect. Cold and warm compresses are applied alternately, for a while, depending on the course of the pathology.
In the early stages, a poultice of yarrow and chamomile is used. To prepare it, 20 g of the mixture is simmered in a water bath for a third of an hour and cooled towarm state.
In chronic forms, make a mixture of laundry soap and honey in equal proportions.
When using aloe juice, the infusion is prepared as follows:
- for half a glass of vodka take juice from one leaf of this plant and 25 g of liquid honey;
- components are mixed and infused for several days.
Apply 3 times a day for 5 minutes each.
Decoctions are made from herbs, honey and vinegar.
You can take a mixture of 15 g of propolis and 100 g of butter. Reception is carried out by 1 tsp. at least 3 times a day.
In addition, they take therapeutic baths, in which medicinal herbs are added, and also massage using ointments and infusions. The latter promotes the outflow of fluid in the bursa, improves cartilage mobility, softens ossified tissue and improves blood supply.
Also, the bursa is activated with acupuncture, which shows its effectiveness after several applications.
Therapeutic gymnastics
It is also used to heal the disease, to strengthen muscles and restore foot function after surgery.
When doing gymnastics, all exercises are done carefully, at the first sign of fatigue they are stopped.
The main exercises are:
- walking on the outer and inner sides of the feet;
- "bike" with a strong stretching of the socks;
- grasping exercises with toes.
Diet
It is prescribed for calcium deficiency as the cause of the disease. ATdiet include the following foods:
- liver;
- eggs;
- nuts;
- cheese;
- milk;
- cottage cheese;
- citrus;
- fatty fish.
Prevention
Recommended measures should be followed by everyone. These include:
- wearing comfortable shoes; with chronic bursitis, you need to order orthopedic insoles or the same shoes;
- must do daily foot hygiene;
- timely treat cracks and calluses on the lower extremities;
- include foods rich in calcium, as well as meals containing a large amount of vitamins in the diet;
- walk barefoot more.
If you already have a disease, you need to apply an ice compress 4 times a day, fix your finger with a splint to prevent its further curvature. If the case is not severe, then the last one is enough to apply at night.
Forecast
With timely treatment of bursitis of the big toe, it is favorable. But when the deformity is formed, arthritis can develop, which leads to the appearance of pain syndromes in the process of movement and limiting the work of the joint. Posture and gait are disturbed, which leads to damage to the joints located above.
Recovery from purulent bursitis takes longer.
In closing
This article discusses what bursitis is. Basically, this disease develops in women who prefer to walk in heels and intight shoes. In addition, there are other reasons for the development of this pathology. Treatment can be conservative, includes drug therapy and the use of folk remedies in combination. In severe cases, surgery is performed. After it, for the purpose of rehabilitation, therapeutic exercises are prescribed. It can also be used in complex conservative treatment. The prognosis of the disease is favorable, however, in advanced cases, arthritis may develop, as well as the appearance of other complications.
