Providing quality foot and ankle care with two office locations to serve you
Hallux Rigidus
What is A Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus, which is actually a form of degenerative arthritis in the big toe (first metatarsal phalangeal joint). The big toe joint becomes stiff, and motion becomes limited. Sometimes, a bump forms on the top of the joint.
Causes
Common causes of hallux rigidus are faulty function (biomechanics) and structural abnormalities of the foot. These abnormalities may be hereditary. In some cases, hallux rigidus can be a result of overuse.
Symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint
- Difficulty with certain activities (running, squatting)
- Inflammation and redness
Diagnosis
Hallux rigidus is often diagnosed by limited range of motion of the big toe on physical exam. X-rays can help determine how much arthritis is present as well as to evaluated for any bone spurs or other abnormalities that may have formed.
Treatment
Non-surgical
- Changes in shoe wear
- Activity modifications
- Medications- NSAIDs, steroids
- Steroid Injection
- Orthotic devices
Surgical
If non-surgical treatment fails to relieve pain and when the pain of a bunion interferes with daily activities, it's time to discuss surgical options with a foot and ankle surgeon. Together you can decide if surgery is best for you.
Joint Sparing procedures- procedures that maintain motion of the joint without disruption of the joint
- Cheilectomy- involves removal of excess bone within the joint
- Osteotomy- involves cutting into the 1st metatarsal to realign the joint and provide the joint with more space for movement
Joint removal procedures- procedures that remove the existing joint.
- Arthrodesis/fusion- fusing the 1st metatarsal to the big toe and removing all motion at the joint
- Arthroplasty- removing one side of the joint to allow for motion of the joint
- Joint replacement- removal of one or both sides of the joint and replacing the cartilage with an implant