Jordi Sanchez-Ballester

FRCSEd FRCS Trauma & Orth

Consultant Foot, Ankle & Knee Surgeon

Fairfield Independent Hospital, St Helens

Spire Cheshire

Bone-Surgeon.co.uk

Fairfield Independent Hospital



Crank Rd

St Helens

Merseyside WA11 7RS


01744 739311

Spire Cheshire Hospital

Chris Davies


chris8davies@tiscali.co.uk


Fir Tree Close

Warrington WA4 4LU


0845 602 2500

Medico Legal

Nuria Roig


nuriaroigca@hotmail.com


07894 717377

St Helens & Knowsley

Claire Lomax


claire.lomax@sthk.nhs.uk


0151 290 4234

Big Toe Stiffness (Arthritis/ Hallux Rigidus)



Hallux rigidus causes stiffness in your big toe and you won’t be able to move it as far. If treated early, surgery can be used to remove painful osteophytes (overgrowth of new bone) that can develop and allow more joint movement to return. In more advanced cases, fusion surgery (joining bones together to make one stiff bone where there two) gives excellent pain relief, although it will mean that the joint will no longer bend when you walk so you won’t be able to wear high-heeled shoes.


A common problem which affects the big toe is called hallux rigidus or stiff big toe. ‘Hallux’ is the Greek word for big toe and ‘rigidus’ indicates the joint is stiff and inflexible.


Hallux rigidus is a form of osteoarthritis which occurs when the cartilage within the joint wears out.


Your big toes bear a great deal of pressure as you walk. With every step, a force equal to about twice your body weight passes through this very small joint. The big toe is used every time we walk, bend down, climb up and even stand still.


Symptoms of hallux stiff or arthritic include:


Pain and stiffness during movement

Problems with some activities such as running

Swelling and inflammation around the joint

Symptoms are worse during cold and damp weather


At a more advanced stage, symptoms include:


Pain when resting.

Development of bony bumps (osteophyte) may develop on the top of the joint which can rub on shoes

People may walk on the outer side of the foot to avoid pain from the big toe. This can produce pain in the ball or outside of the foot.


Hallux rigidus can start early in life, even during teenage years or the twenties. However, in the majority of cases, it does not get progressively worse. About 20 to 25 per cent of patients experience increasing stiffness and loss of mobility and are likely to require treatment.


Stiff big toe causes

Hallux rigidus can occur spontaneously, without any obvious cause. In other patients, there can be one or a combination of factors which trigger the development of this condition.


People with flat feet and other structural deformities such as fallen arches and excessive pronation (rolling in) of the ankles are particularly susceptible to hallux rigidus because of the stress placed on their big toe joints.


Some people may have a family history of the condition and inherit a foot type which is more prone to developing problems within the big toe joint. Hallux rigidus can also be triggered by injury, inflammation and infection.


Stiff big toe diagnosis

The condition is simpler to treat in its early stages. Therefore it is recommended that you see a foot and ankle surgeon when your big toe feels stiff or when you experience pain as you walk, bend or stand. Once the condition becomes more advanced and bone spurs develop, it is more complex to manage.


The surgeon will examine your feet and assess your range of movement. X-rays are usually taken to evaluate the extent of arthritis and any abnormalities which may have developed.


Stiff big toe treatment - Non-surgical treatment

If the condition is caught early, non-surgical treatment is more likely to be effective.


Shoe Modifications

The joint is usually most painful when it is bent upwards during walking. Therefore it can be helpful to stiffen the sole of the shoe so it does not bend during walking. A small ‘rocker bar’ can be fitted so you can rock over while walking, rather than bending your toes. Shoes with a large toe box should be worn, because they put less pressure on the toes. High heels and shoes with pointed toes should not be worn.


Custom-Made Orthotics

These can be helpful, particularly if your condition is caused by abnormal foot biomechanics. Orthotics are designed to alter the function of your foot.


Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These include ibuprofen, and may be prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation.


Corticosteroids

Injections of corticosteroids in small amounts can be helpful in terms of reducing pain and inflammation


Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be considered if more conservative approaches fail to eliminate or reduce pain. There are several different types of surgery that can be undertaken for hallux rigidus.


Cheilectomy

This is a procedure which involves removing the bony lumps, inspecting and cleaning the joint and releasing the soft tissue. A cheilectomy is designed to restore normal alignment and function as well as reducing or eliminating pain. We can undertake a cheilectomy using minimally invasive surgery if it is appropriate for you.


DOWNLOAD: Cheilectomy Information leaflet


Fusion

This is the best option for young people, who are active and will place the joint under more stress than an older less active person. The arthritic joint surface is removed and the metatarsal and proximal phalangeal bones are fused together using a small plate and screws. This is a very effective way of eliminating pain. However, the joint will be left stiff and shoe choice can sometimes be restricted.

Fusion Patient Information Leaflet


Joint Replacement

This is a procedure which we do not offer as it has shown in most of the studies to be associated with high complication rates and not very effective for pain relief.


DOWNLOAD: Big Toe Stiffness Patient Information leaflet