Hallux rigidus

A hallux rigidus is a painful osteoarthritis in the big toe. Wear and tear of the cartilage causes a narrowing of the joint (= osteoarthritis). This results in a painful restriction of movement.

Symptoms

In the wear and tear process, the cartilage in the foot gradually becomes thinner. As a result, the joint becomes stiffer and, over time, functional problems such as pain when walking occur. Bone is sometimes added to the side and top of the joint, creating a painful bunion or nodule.

In hallux rigidus this bunion is usually at the top. The bunion can cause skin irritation when wearing shoes. In some cases, there is frequent inflammation of the joint due to osteoarthritis.

Research

An X-ray can help determine the severity of the abnormality.
RX skeleton

Treatment

We always try to relieve the symptoms by letting you wear adapted shoes and orthotics. If this does not help enough, or in severe cases, surgery is necessary to improve the mobility of the joint. When the wear is still limited, the doctor may only remove the bone accretion or nodule.

In cases of pronounced cartilage wear, the joint is surgically fixed.

Departments

For more information, please contact the orthopaedics department.

Telephone 011 33 42 86