How to Treat Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus is characterized by extreme rigidity at the base of the big toe. Because the big toe is so important for walking and performing a number of other weight-bearing activities, hallux rigidus can be debilitating and often requires treatment. Follow these steps if you have hallux rigidus.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. See a podiatrist to see if you have hallux rigidus and, if so, what can be done to treat the condition.

2. Wear shoes with a large toe box to alleviate pressure on the big toe. Some people find that shoes with stiff or rocker-bottom soles are helpful. Wearing high heels is definitely not recommended, since this can be very painful if you have hallux rigidus.

3. Ask your doctor about getting fitted for custom orthotic devices.

4. Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to relieve the pain and swelling in your big toe.

5. Receive corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and swelling. These will be administered by your doctor if she thinks injections will help.

6. Look into physical therapy like ultrasound or contrast baths to relieve pain and swelling.

7. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for surgery. Numerous techniques like cheilectomy (removing part of the foot bone), arthrodesis (fusing bones in the big toe together) or arthroplasty (removing the joint and replacing it with a new one) are all options.

Tips & Warnings

• What causes hallux rigidus? The condition usually runs in families and is related to the structure of the foot. It is also caused by overuse, so it is commonly seen in people who squat or stoop a lot.

Resources

• Foot Physicians provides a wealth of information about hallux rigidus.
• Find out about hallux rigidus on the AAOS website.
• Emedicine provides information about hallux rigidus.
• Orthogate provides information on hallux rigidus.

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