top of page
Hallux Rigidus
(Osteoarthritis of the big toe joint)
Clinical Presentation
-
commonly mistaken for a ‘bunion’ deformity
-
pain in the ‘bunion’ area / big toe region
-
there may be a dorsal bony prominance which may cause irritation with footwear
-
reduced big toe movement or stiffness
-
twice as common in females
-
usually both big toes are affected
Possible Causes
-
injury
-
mechanical stress / repetative micro trauma
-
gout
-
infection
-
inflammatory arthropathy
-
more likely to develop in persons with a rotated hindfoot (hindfoot valgus)
Investigations
Standard x-rays will show:
-
osteophytes
-
joint space narrowing
-
subchondral sclerosis
-
cysts
Essentially signs of big toe joint degeneration
Non-surgical management
Foot Orthotics with Morton's Extension for Hallux Rigidus
by Biomechanics Foot Centre
bottom of page