Stiffness and Contracture

　　It is very common, often caused by the variation of the first metatarsal bone position, due to excessive internal rotation (pronation) of the ankle, the toe is outwardly deviated (outwardly deviated), the first metatarsal bone is hyperextended (high metatarsal bone), or the length of the first metatarsal bone increases or is inwardly deviated, and occasionally trauma is also a cause. Diagnosis can be made based on the swelling of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, limited movement, tenderness of the joint capsule (especially on the side), and increased extension of the distal phalanx. It is often caused by the variation of the first metatarsal bone position, due to excessive internal rotation (pronation) of the ankle, the toe is outwardly deviated (outwardly deviated), the first metatarsal bone is hyperextended (high metatarsal bone), or the length of the first metatarsal bone increases or is inwardly deviated, and occasionally trauma is also a cause.

　　Bone spurs can stimulate or compress adjacent nerves, causing radiation pain, such as upper limb pain caused by cervical spondylosis, lower limb pain caused by lumbar spondylosis, and anterior and medial thigh pain caused by hip joint spondylosis. Severe vertebral spondylosis can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to sensory, motor, urinary and fecal disorders, neurological irritation signs, and even paraplegia. Osteosclerosis, joint swelling, muscle atrophy, joint deformity, joint tenderness, limited movement, and friction during movement.

　　Diagnosis can be made based on the swelling of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, limited movement, tenderness of the joint capsule (especially on the side), and increased extension of the distal phalanx. In the late stage, X-ray examination of the lateral position of the affected side shows lateral osteophytes, and lateral X-ray examination shows exostoses on the dorsal side extending from the metatarsal head. Inquire about the medical history, including the situation of acute gouty arthritis attacks, because chronic diseases can cause pain and swelling of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

　　1. The patient should sit in a comfortable position and press the Kunlun point with the tip of the thumb or middle finger of the same side or the healthy side, pressing from light to heavy for one minute until local soreness and distension are achieved.

　　2, The patient's position is as before, use the palm of the thumb to rub around the calcaneus for one minute to make the local area feel comfortable.

　　3, The patient's position is as before, use the thumb of the same side to pinch and repeatedly pinch the affected area until the local area feels comfortable.

　　According to the swelling of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, limited movement, tenderness of the joint capsule (especially on the side), increased extension of the distal phalanx can be diagnosed as advanced disease. Lateral X-ray examination of the lateral position of the back and plantar position shows lateral spurs, and lateral X-ray examination can see exostoses extending from the metatarsal head on the dorsal side.

　　Firstly, what foods are good for stiffness?

　　1, Eat more sulfur-containing foods such as asparagus, eggs, garlic, and onions. Because the repair and reconstruction of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues all require sulfur as raw material, and sulfur also helps in the absorption of calcium.

　　2, Eat more histidine-rich foods such as rice, wheat, and rye. Histidine is beneficial for clearing excess metals in the body. Also, eat more foods rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C and E, and sulfur compounds. You can also eat more sulfur-containing foods such as garlic, onions, kale, and cabbage.

　　3, Eating fresh pineapples regularly can reduce infection in the affected area.

　　4, Ensure that you eat some vitamin-rich foods every day, such as flaxseeds, rice bran, oat bran, etc.

　　Secondly, what foods should be avoided for stiffness?

　　Avoid taking iron or iron-containing multivitamins. Because iron is related to pain, swelling, and joint injury. Alkaloids in Solanaceae vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tobacco can worsen arthritis symptoms.

　　Early treatment involves passive motion and toe traction to increase joint mobility. Infiltration injection of lidocaine around the joint can relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms, thereby increasing joint mobility. Intra-articular injection of insoluble steroids and local anesthetics at the painful touch points of the joint is also effective. Early stabilization of the foot can restore the normal position and function of the metatarsal bones. In cases where conservative treatment is ineffective, limiting exercise can reduce pain, and the method is to use a special foot orthosis and shoes. In cases where the above treatments fail, surgical intervention may be required.