Hallux Rigidus
(big toe arthritis)

Big toe arthritis is a common problem and is the second most common site of arthritis in the body. It can be due to a variety of causes such as wear and tear, prior injury, inflammatory conditions or severe bunions.

Like any arthritis hallux rigidus can be very painful and debilitating.

Surgery is considered when the pain is interfering with day-to-day life and/or work.

Treatment options:

Non operative treatment

  • Stiff soled shoes

  • Modification of shoes including stiff toe plates

  • Injections

Operative treatment

  • The primary goal is to remove pain.

  • Each patient is different – clinical assessment and imaging will help decide the most appropriate surgery

    • Other procedures may be performed at the same time to relieve or prevent problems elsewhere in the foot

Surgeries performed for hallux rigidus include:

Figure 1 - clinical photograph demonstrating large bony bumps overlying great toe joint typical of hallux rigidus

Figure 2 – Xrays of hallux rigidus of increasing severity