Hallux Rigidus
What is Hallux Rigidus?
Hallux rigidus is the medical name for arthritis of the big toe. It literally means 'stiffening of the big toe'. It affects the joint base of your first toe called the metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint, and is the most common site of arthritis in the foot.
The pain and stiffness of hallux rigidus eventually develops into increasing difficulty walking and bending the toe. It is a progressive condition caused by the wear and tear of the lubricating cartilage that lines the joint.As the cartilage wears away, the bone becomes scarred and overgrows near the edges, resulting is bony spikes or 'osteophytes' that limit the movement of the toe.
There are anumber of effective treatments for hallux rigidus, including over the counter pain killers and modified footwear or insoles to relieve pain. Surgical options are recommended when these approaches fail, and may involve cheilectomy or joint fusion.
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