A Brief Look at Hallux Rigidus: Podogo.com Hallux Rigidus can be defined as arthritis of the big toe joint. By far it is one of the most common types of arthritic foot condition and along with Hallux Valgus (bunion), it is one of the most frequently occurring conditions to affect the big toe. Women are typically more affected than men in almost all age groups. The condition commonly develops in adults between thirty and sixty years of age and in most cases, patients complain of pain in the big toe joint while doing some work or being active, particularly when walking. At other times, there can be stiffness or swelling around big toe joint. The patient can find it difficult to bend the affected toe up or down. Sometimes a bump, such as a bone spur or a bunion can develop around the top of the affected big toe joint, which can be further aggravated by rubbing against the insides of a shoe. Causes of Hallux Rigidus: The actual causes of Hallux Rigidus have not been identified. Nevertheless, numerous risk factors have been acknowledged, including an elevated or very long first foot bone (i.e. metatarsal), prior traumatic injuries to the big toe, anatomical differences in the foot and family history. These risk factors mainly cause serious damage to the bone surfaces, which in turn ca