Big Toe Pain/Hallux Rigidus

Does your big toe joint hurt when you walk? Do you notice you can’t move it as much as you used to be able to? Do you have trouble squatting or climbing ladders? You might have Hallux Rigidus or arthritis in your big toe joint. 

This type of pathology can cause pain and stiffness in your big toe joint. Hallux rigidus is a progressive deformity and can get worse with time. For some people, the pain can get worse and the deformity worsens, however, this is not the case for all people. 

At Serenity Foot and Ankle Specialists, we will always educate you about your full range of treatment options. This condition can be treated with conservative and surgical treatment options.

Conservative Treatment Options

Conservative treatment options can help keep the pain and progression of the disease process at bay. Some conservative treatment options include:

  • Change in shoe gear to accommodate the pain/pathology
  • Orthotics with a modification to control the movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. 
  • Anti-inflammatory medication can help with controlling inflammation in the joint
  • Corticosteroid injection to help reduce pain and inflammation in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. 

Surgical Treatment Options

Some people may still require surgical intervention after conservative measures have not provided enough pain relief. 

In general, surgical treatment options can be joint preserving or joint destructive. Depending on the severity of your disease process we will talk about your surgical options. 

If you are in the earlier stages of Hallux Rigidus, we will discuss joint preserving procedures. Meaning we will try to maintain movement in your joint. This is not always possible, however, we will have a full discussion about this before we make a decision. 

If you are in the later stages of Hallux Rigidus, we will discuss joint destructive procedures which would be fusing the first metatarsophalangeal joint. 

At Serenity Foot and Ankle Specialists, we will always discuss all of your treatment options with you and come to a decision about treatment together. 

If you are having big toe pain, call 847-380-3700 for an appointment today!

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