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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)

Split on Blocks

Investigations

Standard x-rays will show:

osteophytes
joint space narrowing
subchondral sclerosis
cysts

Essentially signs of big toe joint degeneration

Non-surgical management

Denim Sneaker

Footwear

enough toebox space to accomodate the dorsal lump
stiff-soled forefoot rocker shoes
soft vamp and toecap

Foot Orthotics

Morton’s extension orthotic
Reduces stress on bit toe joint

Vaccine

Injections

Steroid injections for short to medium term

Mani Pedi

Mobilisation Therapy

Range of motion exercises and manipulations to maintian and possibly improve the rang of motion in mild to moderate cases

Foot Orthotics with Morton's Extension for Hallux Rigidus
by Biomechanics Foot Centre

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