Thumb
The hallux, popularly known as the “thumb”, is a region composed of two bones: the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx. The proximal phalanx is connected with the first metatarsal through the metatarsophalangeal joint and through the interphalangeal joint with the distal phalanx. There are also two small spherical bones next to the articulation between the proximal phalanx and the first metatarsal, called sesamoids, which function as a pulley, increasing impulse power and efficiency of the musculature during walks.
The big toe is essential for the body to remain stable when walking: the finger receives most of the load and helps maintain balance. Unfortunately, this is the reason for being one of the fingers most susceptible to pain. Possible diagnoses related to pain in the big toe are connected to cases of hallux valgus (bunion), rigid hallux, sesamoiditis, or ingrown toenails.
CAUSES
The leading causes of pain in the big toe are excessive load and pressure applied to the region or trauma and injuries. Such traumas occur, involuntarily or not, when the big toe collides with a solid obstacle (such as sofas, beds, doors, etc.) or when an object falls on the hallux. After the trauma, if swelling, redness, or acute pain appears, you should follow up with a specialized doctor, as they may be signs of more severe problems.
MAIN PATHOLOGIES THAT CAUSE PAIN IN THE THUMB
Alignment
People with pronated footfall have a physiological alteration that causes the feet to present an exaggerated “inward” movement. Because of this, pressure on the feet is unevenly distributed and overloads the big toe, leading to pain or even more severe injuries, such as repetitive stress fractures.
Ingrown toenails
Another factor that can cause pain in the thumb is ingrown toenails. They arise from poorly cut nails (contrary to what people think, nails should be cut with a straight tip and not rounded) because of beats or genetic factors. Thumbnails tend to ingrown more quickly and should receive special attention.
Inadequate shoes
Wearing high heels or narrow pointed toes helps overload and tighten the toes, which can cause calluses or misalignments. Rigid or tight shoes can also be detrimental to foot health.
MAIN PATHOLOGIES THAT CAUSE PAIN IN THE BIG TOE
It is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones (small spherical structures connected in the joints between the thumb and the first metatarsal), whose function is to perfect the musculature during walking. It can cause very localized pain at the base of the thumb.
According to the study “Foot pain and functional limitation in healthy adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study”, the bunion is a bump on the big toe that forms due to the hallux deviation towards the other toes. In addition to being a pathology that causes aesthetic deformations, the bunion can contribute to toe overlapping and foot tissue inflammation, causing pain and discomfort.
Hallux rigidus is a type of arthrosis of the big toe (degeneration of the cartilage that covers the bones of the metatarsophalangeal joint – 1st metatarsal and proximal phalanx), causing pain and movement limitation of the hallux. It usually affects people who practice intense physical activities for long periods and occurs because of prolonged overload on the first metatarsal.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Treatment to relieve pain in the big toe varies according to each case, and medical follow-up is necessary for a better diagnosis. Some physicians recommend using carbon fiber insoles in cases where foot movement must be reduced, such as in rigid hallux cases and some types of arthrosis.
Some measures can help recover the big toe, such as putting on ice in the affected area, keeping the foot at rest, and reducing the load of physical activities.
FEET WITHOUT PAIN® CUSTOM INSOLES AND SHOES FOR BIG TOE PAIN
Feet Without Pain custom insoles help redistribute the pressure on the big toe, relieving overload in the area and, consequently, pain. Therefore, a damper in the hallux region and an elevation on the inside are placed to reduce pronation when walking. Hence impact on the big toe is decreased.
On the other hand, Feet Without Pain bespoke shoes perfectly accommodate the big toe without squeezing the region and allowing ideal space for its natural movement. This trait is possible because they are individually made for each foot after a 3D scan. In addition, with different types of soles, the custom-made shoe can offer additional support for those who need to control foot movement and protect the big toe.
The custom insoles and shoes are made with 3D technology and millimetric digital precision after a free foot, ankle, and knee evaluation with our specialists at one of our branch offices. Check some of their benefits for your feet below:
- Elimination or reduction of pain;
- Injury prevention;
- Increased comfort;
- Perfect fit;
- Standing longer without pain or discomfort;
- Prevention of pathologies progression;
- Improved impact absorption;
- Improved sports performance.
Feet Without Pain carbon fiber insoles
Feet Without Pain manufacture custom carbon fiber insole, recommended by doctors in specific cases where movement must be avoided. It is an extremely strong material that does not bend, used in constructing Formula 1 cars and modern aircraft.
Feet Without Pain carbon fiber insole is light and thin, only 4 mm thick!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
How to purchase your custom shoe or insole?
It’s fast and easy! Schedule a free evaluation of your feet with our specialists to buy your custom-made shoe.
Call, send a message to WhatsApp at 4003-8883, or visit: www.pessemdor.com.br/agendamento.
How does the evaluation work?
Upon arriving at a Feet Without Pain branch office, you will be received by a foot, ankle, and knee specialist, who will then fill out a registration form and ask some questions about your pain. Next, the assessment of the feet begins.
The specialist will perform an examination of your feet to understand your foot pains and complaints. Then, using the high-precision 3D scanner device, the specialist captures your feet’ measurements.
We are the only company with a 3D scanner for designing custom shoes. First, with the measurements of your feet, a mold is created using 3D printers, and after that, we start making your shoe.
How long does it take for the shoes and insoles to be ready?
Feet Without Pain produces custom-made shoes in up to 3 days; then, they are sent to your home free of charge!
Is the evaluation free?
Our assessment is completely free! We perform a complete analysis of your feet and legs, and you pay nothing for it!
Do we accept medical insurance?
We do not work with insurance because our assessment is completely free! But you can check if your plan somehow refunds you regarding the shoes!
EXTERNAL LINKS
1) Hallux rigidus | Clínica e Cirurgia do pé
2) Joanete pode surgir ou piorar com uso de sapatos de salto e bico fino | Bem Estar
