Hallux Rigidus in Newport Beach

Our feet are responsible for supporting our entire weight, as well as transporting us every day — yet they are often overlooked until they start to cause us pain. If you’ve started to notice pain in your big toe, especially when first standing up, it could be a condition called “hallux rigidus”.

What is Hallux Rigidus?

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis at the base of your big toe. The word hallux means “toe”, and the word rigidus means “rigid” or “unmoving”. Therefore, this term simply means that the movement of your toe is limited or non-existent. Hallux rigidus is more common in females, and is one of the most common causes of foot pain in people over the age of 50.

What Causes Hallux Rigidus?

Doctors suspect there is a genetic predisposition to this condition. An abnormality in the way the foot is structured or in the way it functions, such as fallen arches or excessive rolling of the ankles, can lead to hallux rigidus over time. An elevated metatarsal or injury to the big toe can also lead to hallux rigidus. Jobs that require extra stress on your big toe, such as a lot of squatting, can be a risk factor. In many cases, however, the exact cause is difficult to pinpoint.

How Do You Know if You Have Hallux Rigidus?

The early signs of hallux rigidus can be vague, and you may not realize you are developing this condition. You may start to have difficulty running or squatting. You may feel pain and a certain level of stiffness when you are walking, bending over, or standing for long periods. The joint may swell and look inflamed.

Are Imaging Tests Necessary for a Diagnosis?

Hallux rigidus can often be diagnosed solely by a physical examination. Your doctor will test the range of motion in your toe and ask questions about pain and mobility. Bone spurs are often visible as well, but your doctor may want an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage. MRIs or CT scans are typically not necessary for diagnosis.

Complications

As the condition progresses untreated, the symptoms will worsen. Your toe will begin to hurt even when you are not using it. Bone spurs can form over the joint — making your shoes not fit or causing pain when your shoe rubs on them. You may start to feel pain in your knee, hip, or lower back due to the fact you are walking differently. You may not connect this pain to your foot, but remember that your feet are bearing all of your weight, and if they are not functioning correctly, other areas can suffer. Your big toe is essential to your balance, so when this toe has limited movement, your entire body can be thrown off balance and your knees and hips can also be affected. In severe cases, the stiffness will lead to limping.

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Non-Surgical Treatment

If your condition is caught early, your doctor may want to hold off doing any surgical treatments. There are a few interventions you can try to reduce the pain and increase mobility, but bear in mind that they will not cure the condition. These treatments include:

Modified shoes (like a shoe that has a larger toe box or stiff-soled shoes)
Custom orthotics that can be put inside your shoe to reduce pressure to your toe and improve function
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to help reduce pain and swelling
Injections of corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may help with more severe pain
Physical therapy may be prescribed as well

Surgery for Hallux Rigidus

If the condition is severe and conservative treatments aren’t working, your doctor might recommend surgery.

There are several different types of surgery available depending on the extent of arthritis and how deformed the toe is, as well as the formation of bone spurs.

If a bone spur has formed that is impeding movement, removal of this spur may be all that is needed. For more extensive damage to the joint, the joint may need to be fused together. This solves the problem but does limit mobility to some degree. Other options include resurfacing of the joint and total replacement of the joint.

Hallux Rigidus Treatment at Dr. Salma Aziz, Foot and Ankle Speciality Group Inc.

If you think you may be experiencing hallux rigidus, we encourage you to contact our office to get a clear diagnosis. Early treatment is best to prevent the condition from progressing. Dr. Salma Aziz, Foot and Ankle Speciality Group Inc. is made up of three exceptional podiatric surgeons: Dr. Salma Aziz, Dr. Petrina Yokay, and Dr. Jessica Arneson. Our modern, family-friendly podiatry office has been serving the Rancho Santa Margarita and Newport Beach area since 2001, using only the best treatments and time-tested practices. We are a professional, nurturing female doctor group serving families, individuals, and athletes of all ages.