Hallux Rigidus, commonly called ‘Stiff Big Toe’, reduces your range of motion and can ultimately affect how you walk.
Commonly referred to as ‘Stiff Big Toe’, Hallux Rigidus is a degenerative condition that leads to a reduced range of motion in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) or your big toe.
This can impair your gait, especially the propulsion phase or as you toe off. Over time you gradually lose movement in your big toe.
At the base of the first MTP is usually where the degenerative arthritis is found. The ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, a shiny covering to protect the ends of the bones within the joint. As this covering wears, degeneration occurs until bone is against bone. Bone spurs develop as part of this degenerative process and movement decreases.
Normal range of motion is approximately 70 degrees of extension. We need 45-65 degrees to be able to walk without compromise or compensation.
Weight bearing X-rays are often required to examine the joint.
As the disorder progresses:
In many cases cases early treatment is crucial to prevent or postpone surgery.
If conservative management fails then surgery is the only option to eliminate or reduce pain.
Are you suffering from painful Hallux Rigidus, or looking for a physiotherapist around me? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
