Hallux Rigidus

What is it Hallux Rigidus?

image via pixabay

Hallux limitus is a progressively painful condition at the first metatarsal joint which is very different from a traditional bunion deformity.  An arthritic process starts to occur typically in patients in their 30s and 40s and progressively gets worse with age and time. The joint can become completely rigid where it does not bend.  It can become very painful with walking and doing activities as well as pressure in shoes because spurs can develop all around the first joint.

What causes Hallux Rigidus?

  • Redness,
  • Stiffness with a range of motion
  • Loss of motion
  • Pain with walking and exercise
  • Pain with tight shoes
  • Compensation patterns can arrive in other areas of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back 

How do you treat it?

Although most believe that surgery is the only option, there are many conservative things that can be done like :

  • Exercise therapy prescribed by the doctor
  • Special injections
  • Deep tissue work
  • Shoe changes

Orthotic devices are very effective when made appropriately and specifically for the joint which engages a range of motion rather than hinders it. When conservative therapy fails,  then various surgical options are available to realign the joint and take the pain away. 

Contact us today by calling our Chicago office at 312-642-6020 or our Park City office at 847-263-6073.