Do you have a Hallux Rigidus, known as a big, stiff toe?
It is a degenerative condition, which as it worsens will prevent you from walking properly. It is a disorder of the joint on the base of your large toe. Hallux rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis which arises from cartilage damage on the joint. It can be very painful and cause stiffness and total loss of movement. A bony bump may develop on your first toe joint, as time goes on the condition can get worse because movement in the big toe is limited and it can become frozen.
Your big toe takes a lot of body weight and the pressure on this joint is great. As much as 50% of your body weight is propelled through your big toe whilst walking. You will suddenly find activities like walking or running difficult and you will get swelling and pain around the big toe joint. Cold and damp weather will affect the joint more adversely.
There are many causes of hallux rigidus such as:
- Gradual deteriation of the joint due to age
- history of trauma to the joint
- Sports injury, like kicking a football
- Infection of the joint
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
People who have fallen arches and excessive pronation (rolling inwards) of the ankles can lead to hallux rigidus.
Hallux Limitus
Is a deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (mtp) or better known as a bunion joint that restricts movement and causes pain. It is often caused by arthritis and often there is a build up of bone spurs, you can experience pain when running or walking uphill. The bone in the big toe is jammed up against the metatarsal head causing inflammation and pain.
Tips to help relieve your big toe discomfort
- You must wear good fitting shoes.
- Avoid wearing high heeled shoes will make the problem much more painful.
- Custom orthoses or temporary inserts may improve the function of your foot so you may need to see your Podiatrist for advice. By re-balancing your feet and redistributing your body's forces, orthoses will help to alleviate the problem.
- Home exercise program to help restore some movement in your big toe.
- Podiatric treatment to help restore movement and break down adhesions around the joint.
- Podiatric Acupuncture for pain management and to help rehabilitate the affected area.
- Simple insoles to offload your feet.
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling around the joint.
- RICE Rest, Ice ,Compression and Elevation
Gary is the Proprietor of
Webb's Podiatry and Medical; their aim is to give excellent customer service,
coupled with good, clear technical advice to the public on foot health related
matters, offering the very best in Chiropody/Podiatry and medical Products.
Health Professions Council Registered Member of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists Qualified at the Liverpool School in 1998 2005 - Completed Local Anaesthetics part A exam with the Society in London (incl. Vascular Assesment, Neurological Assesment, Rhematology, Diabetes, Wound Management and Infection Control). 2006 - 2007 Completed LA part B and Nail Surgery exam with Glasgow Caledonian University and Southern General Hospital, Glasgow. 2007 - 2009 Post Graduate Certificate in Podiatric Musculoskeletal Medicine (PCMM) at the Nottingham School of Biomechanics, Sports and Remedial Therapies. 2009 - Foundation Certificate in Podiatric Acupuncture
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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