Women continue to experience pain in the great toe joint, a condition referred to as hallux limitus as a result of the use of high-heeled shoes.

The ‘Re-Loub’ injection is for patients who have painful arthritis in the first joint of the big toe and can’t move it up and down as a result of joint disease.

To help increase flexibility and reduce the pain, we inject hyaluronic acid into the joint to help lubricate it. This is done under ultrasound guidance. The hyaluronic acid, which is a natural occurring material in the body and in the joint (often deficient in arthritis), lasts up to a year at which point you need to get another injection.

Although this treatment needs to be repeated, it can help you avoid surgery or at least put it off until you’re ready for it. The pain-reducing effects can last up to six months.