All About Hallux Rigidus From Washington Heights NY, Podiatrists

Hello NYC !

I was walking up the stairs from the subway platform and lady commented “ my bunions hurt in these shoes”. She proceeded to take of her shoe which revealed a “bump on the top of big toe joint. I told her she did NOT have a bunion. “Of course I do”, she said. “Look at the bump”. I explained she has a condition called hallux limitus/rigidus.

WHAT IS HALLUX LIMITUS/RIGIDUS?

Hallux limitus is an arthritic condition that leads to pain and stiffness of great toe joint. There is a decrease in joint motion. The symptoms begin gradually and can increase in severity with weight gain, age and increased activities. There is can pain going up and down stairs, squatting, walking and wearing heels. There is pain with movement of the big toe joint.

Other symptoms are swelling around the great toe joint and stiffness around the great toe joint. As te condition progresses, pain may happen at rest. The patient also will have difficulty wearing certain shoes.

WHAT CAUSES HALLUX RIGIDUS?

The causes of hallux limius/rigidus varies.   Flat foot and patient who pronate (“roll in”) are one the major causes of hallux limitus/rigidus. Patients may have an imbalance of the foot structure. The patient may have local trauma , like jamming their toe, which can cause swelling and pain.  Genetics also contribute to hallux limitus/rigidus

DIAGNOSING HALLUX LIMITUS/RIGIDUS

A podiatrist can easily diagnose this condition by your symptoms, a clinical exam and x-rays. The earlier you seek treatment, the better the prognosis.

TREATMENT FOR HALLUX LIMITUS

There are non surgical and surgical approaches to treat hallux limitus/rigidus. Speaking with a board certified podiatrist can give you various options based on your diagnosis.

Non surgical options can be orthotics (inserts), physical therapy, topical or oral pain medications. We also have platelet rich plasma (PRP) which may be uses to delay or prevent further progression of this disease.

Surgery is needed when conservative therapy fails and id the condition is becoming worse. Depending on the severity, there are different types of surgical approaches.

• If there is minimal joint damage, the joint can be “ cleaned up and smoothed” to allow better motion.
• If there is joint damage, there are implants and bone surgery to realign the joint
• If the join is severely damage, the joint may need to be fused or bone removed.

Visit us at Weil Podiatry of New York, LLC. We will provide a wonderful consultation and examination to determine the best course of action for you.

This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our Washington Heights, NY, podiatry office would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.