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Hallux Rigidus

What is Hallux Rigidus?

Stiffness of the big toes is a gradual process due to arthritis affecting the big toe joint and wearing down of the cartilage. Hallux Rigidus causes the joint to become enlarged with bone growth and gradual stiffness ensues.

Causes of big toe joint stiffness:

There are many causes of  big toe joint stiffness. Our patients generally tell us of an injury, stubbing or an old fracture that occurred often decades ago which gradually results in stiffness and pain. The enlargement of the joint results in difficulty with getting into comfortable shoes and women cannot wear high heels any more.

Other causes of big toe stiffness can be genetic or biomechanical as result of poor foot posture and mechanical dysfunction.

Systemic diseases such as gout and rheumatoid diseases can also damage the joint and result in Hallux Rigidus.

Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus:

  • Pain and stiffness in the big toe that is worse during activity and cold weathers
  • Swelling and inflammation around the joint
  • As the condition worsens, you may experience loss of movement
  • Bone growth on the joint can occur

Hallux Rigidus diagnosis:

Diagnosing Hallux Rigidus begins with a specialist examining your feet and lower limbs. Our specialists will asses the movement available in your big toe joints and any change in shape. The quality of big toe joint movement will also be assessed.

X-rays may be needed to diagnose Hallux Rigidus; this will allow examination of the joint, in particular, the available joint space giving an indication of cartilage present, as well as osteophytes/bone spurs.

For subtle cases of Hallux Rigidus, an MRI may be requested to look at soft tissue inflammation and lesions on the cartilage that may not be visible on the bone.

Related treatments

Treating Ingrown Toenails

Hallux Rigidus

Book an appointment
Our consultants

Testimonials

  • I’ve suffered with hip pain and numbness for most of the last decade and had tried everything from acupuncture to sports massage.

    ANNA PURSGLOVE
    Journalist & Editor
  • While skiing, this year, I suffered from bad knee pains and foot cramps. A specialist at the resort recommended a trip to PODOGO…

    DEEPAK JASSAL
  • I cannot recommend Dr Nazir and his team enough. They’re kind, supportive and with you every step of the way…

    KATE MCGEE

Read More

sever-disease
August 3, 2017

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain)

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain) Pain in heel – usually when weight bearing. Adolescents aged 7-14 years, especially those who are active in sports. Overview The calcaneal tendon (achilles tendon) is the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects both the gastrocnemius and soleus, known as the calf muscles, to the calcaneus […]

T89UFBiz
August 9, 2017

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems?

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems? When it comes to managing health problems associated with the feet, plenty of people choose to go to a general physician. However, in such cases a professional podiatrist is the specialist that is most trained and competent in assessing, diagnosing and treating […]

2
September 15, 2017

Pregnancy and your Feet

Pregnancy and your Feet Your feet are a very important part of your body that are often overlooked and neglected until problems arise. Women that have given birth are more likely to develop lower limb musculoskeletal problems than those who have never given birth. There is also good evidence documenting an increase in foot width, […]

Hallux Rigidus

What is Hallux Rigidus?

Stiffness of the big toes is a gradual process due to arthritis affecting the big toe joint and wearing down of the cartilage. Hallux Rigidus causes the joint to become enlarged with bone growth and gradual stiffness ensues.

Causes of big toe joint stiffness:

There are many causes of  big toe joint stiffness. Our patients generally tell us of an injury, stubbing or an old fracture that occurred often decades ago which gradually results in stiffness and pain. The enlargement of the joint results in difficulty with getting into comfortable shoes and women cannot wear high heels any more.

Other causes of big toe stiffness can be genetic or biomechanical as result of poor foot posture and mechanical dysfunction.

Systemic diseases such as gout and rheumatoid diseases can also damage the joint and result in Hallux Rigidus.

Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus:

  • Pain and stiffness in the big toe that is worse during activity and cold weathers
  • Swelling and inflammation around the joint
  • As the condition worsens, you may experience loss of movement
  • Bone growth on the joint can occur

Hallux Rigidus diagnosis:

Diagnosing Hallux Rigidus begins with a specialist examining your feet and lower limbs. Our specialists will asses the movement available in your big toe joints and any change in shape. The quality of big toe joint movement will also be assessed.

X-rays may be needed to diagnose Hallux Rigidus; this will allow examination of the joint, in particular, the available joint space giving an indication of cartilage present, as well as osteophytes/bone spurs.

For subtle cases of Hallux Rigidus, an MRI may be requested to look at soft tissue inflammation and lesions on the cartilage that may not be visible on the bone.

Related treatments

Treating Ingrown Toenails

Hallux Rigidus

Book an appointment
Our consultants

Testimonials

  • I’ve suffered with hip pain and numbness for most of the last decade and had tried everything from acupuncture to sports massage.

    ANNA PURSGLOVE
    Journalist & Editor
  • While skiing, this year, I suffered from bad knee pains and foot cramps. A specialist at the resort recommended a trip to PODOGO…

    DEEPAK JASSAL
  • I cannot recommend Dr Nazir and his team enough. They’re kind, supportive and with you every step of the way…

    KATE MCGEE

Read More

sever-disease
August 3, 2017

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain)

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain) Pain in heel – usually when weight bearing. Adolescents aged 7-14 years, especially those who are active in sports. Overview The calcaneal tendon (achilles tendon) is the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects both the gastrocnemius and soleus, known as the calf muscles, to the calcaneus […]

T89UFBiz
August 9, 2017

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems?

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems? When it comes to managing health problems associated with the feet, plenty of people choose to go to a general physician. However, in such cases a professional podiatrist is the specialist that is most trained and competent in assessing, diagnosing and treating […]

2
September 15, 2017

Pregnancy and your Feet

Pregnancy and your Feet Your feet are a very important part of your body that are often overlooked and neglected until problems arise. Women that have given birth are more likely to develop lower limb musculoskeletal problems than those who have never given birth. There is also good evidence documenting an increase in foot width, […]

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  • Home
  • Services
    ▼
    • Podiatry
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery
    • Gait Analysis
    • Orthotics
  • Sports Injuries
    ▼
    • Running Injuries
    • Golf Injuries
    • Football Injuries
    • Cycling Injuries
    • Dancing Injuries
  • Foot Problems
    ▼
    • Bunions
    • Morton’s Neuroma
    • Heel Pain
    • Ingrown Toe Nail
    • Hammer Toe
    • View All
  • Foot Treatments
    ▼
    • Bunion Treatment
    • Morton’s Neuroma
    • Heel Pain Treatment
    • Ingrown Toe Nail Removal
    • Hammer Toe Correction
    • View All
  • Your Visit
  • About Us
    ▼
    • Team
    • Privacy Policy
  • Dubai
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • COVID-19