Big toe stiffness and joint pain are often caused by arthritis.  Arthritis can affect any area of the foot, and is particularly common in the big toe joint. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, joint stiffness, and sometimes a bony prominence (hard area or bump at the big toe joint.) This bony prominence may or may not be noticeable but tends to get larger over time, and often rubs against shoes which can cause pain as well. The pain from arthritis in the foot typically becomes worse with extended time on your feet and with activities that place more stress on the joint. As with arthritis that affects other areas of the body, arthritis in the big toe joint and arthritis in other areas of the foot only tends to get worse over time. Not only does the pain become more frequent and worse over time, but the joint becomes less mobile and patients will report “my toe doesn’t move as much as it used to, and I can’t bend it as much as the other foot.” As the condition worsens, there are fewer treatment options available. Therefore it is particularly important to have your pain or stiffness evaluated as soon as possible. It is also important to note that there are treatment options available for big toe pain that do NOT involve surgery. Call us at 586-298-1585 so that we can help you before the condition worsens.