Hallux Rigidus

• Hallux Rigidus is a condition where movement of the big toe is restricted. Your big toe is painful and stiff and gets worse over time. If can be a big problem as you use your big toe to walk, run, climb, stoop down, stand etc. • Technically Hallux Rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis (a wearing out of the cartilage within the join that occurs in the foot and other parts of the body). • It’s a progressive condition and the toe’s motion decreases as time goes on. • Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the big toe while you’re using it, pain and stiffness that is worse in cold weather, and swelling and inflammation around the joint. • The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Early treatment is through shoe modifications (wearing shoes with a larger toe box), orthotics and injection therapy (corticosteroids in small amounts to help with inflammation). • In some cases surgery is the only way to eliminate or reduce pain.