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Hallux rigidus

Osteoarthritis disease of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe

If pain occurs when stepping in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toes and swelling and redness occur with changes in the weather or after exertion, hallux rigidus may be the cause as osteoarthritis of the big toe. Numerous causes play a role in causing the typical wear symptoms in the toe joint of the big toe, stiffening the toe and turning the foot condition into a chronic burden.

We inform you about the general background of osteoarthritis in the big toe base joints. For a personal consultation and a competent diagnosis as well as treatment of hallux ridigus, we are at your disposal at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost (OZMO). Feel free to contact our practice team to schedule an appointment with our specialists in orthopedic conditions of the foot.

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The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Fuß - Erkrankungen

Table of Contents:

What is hallux rigidus?

Symptoms of hallux rigidus
Causes of hallux rigidus

Diagnosis of complaints due to osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe
Treatment for hallux rigidus
Make your appointment at the OZMO for osteoarthritis and hallux rigidus

What is hallux rigidus?

Hallux rigidus is a condition of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe that can have various causes. Incorrect footwear is just as much a part of this as injuries and foot misuse and overuse. Hereditary factors may also play a role, but in most cases these are supplemented by additional influences. Hallux rigidus is a wear and tear disease in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe and thus an arthrosis in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. Hallux rigidus can occur on one or both feet. The disease should be examined and specifically treated by orthopedic specialists at an early stage. Although osteoarthritis is not fundamentally curable, the right treatment can stop the progression of the joint disease and relieve symptoms in most cases.

The further the disease progresses without treatment, the more severe the complaints, but also the consequences for the patient’s mobility. If deformations of the joint occur in addition to hallux rigidus, the arthrosis in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe can also promote hallux valgus (bunion). Mixed forms of hallux rigidus and hallux valgus occur regularly.

At the Orthopaedic Center Munich East (OZMO), we are at your disposal to correctly diagnose pain in the foot and toes, to initiate the appropriate treatment and to alleviate your discomfort in the best possible way. Make an appointment today with our specialists in foot conditions like hallux rigidus.

Symptoms of hallux rigidus

The main symptoms of hallux rigidus are pain and stiffness of the big toe, which are noticeable when running and walking, but also when wearing closed shoes. The restriction of mobility is also noticeable in all movements associated with the arch of the foot. Swelling and redness may also occur in acute phases of big toe osteoarthritis, further aggravating the symptoms.

The typical symptoms of osteoarthritis of the big toe are:

limited ability to move when walking
Pain on the big toe
Problems with the fit of the footwear
Cold weather pain
visible swelling and redness in the affected area

Causes of hallux rigidus

The causes of hallux rigidus as a variant of arthritis are primarily age-related wear and tear in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. This can be favored by hereditary predispositions, but can also be caused by overloading or incorrect loading of the feet, for example by incorrect footwear. In addition, past injuries to the joint can promote hallux rigidus.

For the course of the disease, early detection is just as important as the introduction of targeted countermeasures. If wear and tear is already present, it is important to stop the progression of the disease hallux rigidus and to alleviate the existing symptoms and prevent further damage.

Diagnosis of complaints due to osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe

The first examinations for the diagnosis of hallux rigidus begin with a detailed anamnesis, which is followed by the clinical, i.e. physical, examination of the foot and the musculoskeletal system as a whole. Often, bony bulges in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint are already apparent, accompanied by redness and swelling of the area. Movement exercises show the experienced orthopedic specialist further indications of hallux rigidus, which are then supplemented with imaging procedures and blood tests to differentiate it from rheumatism or gout.

As an imaging examination, radiography is considered to be goal-directed. If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also provide further information about existing damage in the tissue. In most cases, however, the x-ray image can already show whether and to what extent the joint space is reduced and whether bony protrusions are visible, through which hallux rigidus can be identified in the diagnosis. Once all the results are secured, the orthopedic specialist can diagnose hallux rigidus.

Treatment for hallux rigidus

As a degenerative wear disease, osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe cannot be cured in the classical sense, but it can be treated until it is free of symptoms if detected at an early stage. Depending on the stage, different therapies help to reduce the symptoms of hallux rigidus. In the initial stage, you achieve relief from pain with special orthopedic insoles.

In addition, physiotherapeutic treatment is recommended. Advanced stiffness of the toe is treated with medications and injections. Bone removal or big toe fusion may be performed or a joint prosthesis may be inserted as part of surgical procedures.

Make your appointment at the OZMO for osteoarthritis and hallux rigidus

Do you have pain in your foot or in the joint of the big toe? Then make your personal appointment at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost (OZMO) to have a thorough examination for hallux rigidus and osteoarthritis. In our well-equipped center for orthopedics, we offer you all the necessary examinations for targeted diagnostics directly on site, advise and accompany you during treatment, and are at your side with our experienced specialists for orthopedics and trauma surgery, such as Dr. med. Meinhard Balensiefen as a specialist for hand and foot surgery. Call or text us to have our knowledgeable office staff book your appointment at OZMO in a timely manner.

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