Hallux Rigidus

HALLUX RIGIDUS is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness in the joint, and with time it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. Hallux refers to the big toe, while rigidus indicates that the toe is rigid and cannot move. This is actually a form of degenerative arthritis.

This can be very troubling and even disabling since we use the big toe whenever we walk, stoop down, climb up or even stand. This is a progressive condition, the toe's motion decreases as time goes on. The toe's range of motion gradually decreases until potentially reaches the end sta

ge of "rigidus" in which the big toe becomes stiff or what some people call a "frozen joint."

Common causes of hallux are structural abnormalities of the foot that can lead to osteoarthritis in the big toe joint. People with fallen arches or excessive pronation of the ankles are susceptible to developing hallux rigidus.

Symptoms include: pain and stiffness in the big toe while walking, bending etc. Pain and stiffness aggravated by cold, damp weather. Swelling and inflammation around the joint.

As the disorder gets more serious additional symptoms may develop including: pain even during rest, difficulty wearing shoes because bone spurs develop, dull pain in the hip, knee, or lower back due to changes in the way you walk.

The sooner this condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, the best time to see a podiatrist is when you first notice symptoms. If you wait until bone spurs develop, your condition is likely to be more difficult to manage.

In diagnosing hallux rigidus the doctor will examine your feet and move the toe to determine its range of motion. X-rays help determine how much arthritis is present as well as to evaluate any bone spurs or other abnormalities that may have formed.

Early treatment may prevent or postpone the need for surgery in the future. Treatment for mild cases may include: shoe modifications- shoes with a large toe box put less pressure on your toe. Stiff or rocker-bottom soles may also be recommended. Orthotic devices- custom orthotic would improve foot function. Medications- oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy- ultrasound therapy or other physical therapy modalities may be undertaken to provide temporary relief.

On our website www.vailfoot.com we offer powerstep insoles. Even though a custom orthotic insole is the best device, these powerstep would help till you were able to make an appointment with a podiatrist to get your foot checked out. To make an appointment at the Advanced

Foot Care Clinic call 419-423-1888