Hallux Rigidus 

What is Hallux Rigidus?

Hallux Rigidus is an end stage arthritic condition of the big toe joint resulting in significant loss of movement. 

As the cartilage erodes, weight bearing activities can become more difficult and painful.

What causes Hallux Rigidus?

• Abnormal biomechanics which result in high compression loads acting on the big toe joint.
• Previous injury to the big toe joint such as a crush injury.
• Tight fitting and high heeled shoes.
• Chronic overuse of the big toe joint in activites or jobs which stress the big toe joint.
• Arthritic conditions such as Gouty, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis.

Treatment 

Non-operational

Conservative care is primarily focused on reducing pain, inflammation and swelling. 

In low-grade disease orthotic therapy in conjunction with a rigid sole shoe can provide good short to medium term pain relief. In virtually all cases we will recommend custom foot orthotic therapy as the orthotic requires certain design features in order to work properly. We can help determine if foot orthotic therapy is suitable or not for you. 

Corticosteroid injections, oral anti-inflammatory medication and activity modification can also be helpful.

Operational 

Surgery is considered in patients who have not responded well to conservative treatments.

Depending on the stage and severity will influence the type of surgery performed.

In mild to moderate deformity the aims are to increase range of motion by removing bone that is impinging the joint. 

In more severe cases where joint damage is severe, the arthritis is removed and the joint is fused together with screws and/or a plate.

In select cases, a synthetic cartilage implant is designed to replace damaged cartilage. With this type of surgery there is less bone healing and a much quicker recovery compared to fusion surgery.