What is Hallux Rigidus?

In order to understand hallux rigidus, first we need to understand what hallux and rigidus mean separately. Hallux basically refers to the big toe and it is present in both the feet, whereas rigidus refers to your toe rigidity. The joint present at our big toe is known as the metatarsophalangeal joint and over time due to osteoarthritis this joint gets harden and stiffen. This basically happens due to the bone spurs and makes it impossible to move our toe. This hardening of the toe joint is referred to as hallux rigidus.

Hallux Rigidus Surgery

In order to avoid hallux rigidus surgery, the condition of hallux rigidus should be treated as early as possible. The treatment should start at the hallux rigidus limitus state; else the delay results in the toe joint getting more damaged. Hallux rigidus is basically of two types: left hallux rigidus and right hallux rigidus and irrespective of the type, they should be taken care of at the earliest. Osteoarthritis of the big toe joint is the primary reason behind this disorder. This is not the only disorder related to the toe joint. Functional hallux limitus is another problem in which the toe joint is able to complete a full range of motion when in air, however the motion gets limited as soon the foot is kept on the ground. In the case of hallux rigidus, a lot of pain is observed in the toe, however in the case of functional hallux limitus no pain is observed. In the case of hallux rigidus, our big toe joint movement is limited and in order to move forward we end up exerting more pressure and energy at the rest of the joints and this may lead to other joints getting damaged.

Hallux Rigidus Treatment

The initial step in hallux rigidus treatment is to reduce the pain. Once the pain has been reduced, then we have to restore the forward motion of the toe joint. In the case of functional hallux limitus, full toe movement can be restored through foot orthotics. In the case of hallux rigidus a rocker is used. A rocker is attached outside the shoe if the disorder is severe else it is inserted inside the shoe. These enable the forward motion of the pivot. If there is severe pain, then surgical fusion of the joint is needed in order to reduce the pain and restore the motion.

Condition of Hallux Limitus

The condition of hallux limitus can only be understood after understanding the concept of hallux rigidus. Hallux rigidus is a disorder in which big toe joint tends to harden due to osteoarthritis of the joint. A person suffering from hallux rigidus isn’t able to move his toe freely and his movement gets limited by a great extent. Hallux limitus acts as precursor to hallux rigidus and if the former isn’t treated early on, then it leads to hallux rigidus. There can be many causes behind hallux limitus, however the problem isn’t that severe and can be treated without surgery.

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