Pathogenesis (development of disease)
The factors that promote osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the articular cartilage) in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe are very diverse. Usually, injuries cause damage to the articular cartilage and promote the development of osteoarthritis. Often the cause is congenital poor cartilage. Misuse and overloading also come into question. Often the cause remains unclear. Due to arthrosis, the joint space becomes narrower. The surfaces of the joint ossify and synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane) can occur. As the disease progresses, the joint space may close completely and the joint stiffens.
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents.
- Anatomical variants
- Congenital poor cartilage
- Long feet or a long big toe
Behavioral causes
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity) and thereby incorrect loading/overloading of the foot.
- Improper footwear such as high heels.
Disease-related causes
Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).
- Malalignment of the foot such as flatfoot.
- Fracture (broken bone)
- Gout (arthritis urica/uric acid-related joint inflammation or tophic gout)/hyperuricemia (elevation of uric acid levels in the blood).
- Hallux valgus (hammer toe/sliding toe; deformity of the big toe).
- Rheumatic diseases, unspecified
Laboratory diagnoses – laboratory parameters that are considered independent risk factors.
- Hyperuricemia (elevation of uric acid levels in the blood).
Other causes
- Complications after operations on the foot
- Past injuries in the area of the big toe
