Big Toe Stiffness

[viresude]

40 days ago I had a surgery for my left big toe as the bone got displaced....An external fixator was applied and was removed 20 days ago...Now I can walk fine but the toe is really stiff and i can barely bend it....could you please guide me as to what should i do?

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Yes, you can do the exercises at home, but initially you need to visit a physiotherapist once atleast to know which exercise best suits your requirement. The important form of treatment in any orthopedic surgery is rehabilitation. If proper rehabilitation is not taken, there could be permanent damage, like formation of a new bone and inability to bend the toe completely in your case.
Consult a physiotherapist immediately.
Best.

[viresude]

Actually I had the surgery because of an accident which displaced the joint in the big toe. The Doctor informed me of stiffness after the removal of the fixators. He did advise me physiotherapy. I am just wondering if I can do it at home as I really don't have the time or money to go to a physiotherapist.

thanks.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     How are you? I think it is a condition called hallux rigidus. Have you got rechecked your toe after removal of fixator with x-rays? And was any physiotherapy suggested? Hallux rigidus is actually a form of degenerative arthritis (a wearing out of the cartilage within the joint that occurs in the foot and other parts of the body. It causes pain and stiffness in the big toe, and with time it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe.

X-rays can diagnose the condition. Treatment depends upon the severity of damage of cartilage. Physical therapy, NSAID’s, cortisone injections and rest can help in treating the condition.
Consult a orthopaedician for further assistance.
Best.