Hallux rigidus

What is hallux rigidus?

Hallux rigidus literally means “stiff big toe.”

It is a form of wear and tear (osteoarthritis) of the big toe joint where the cartilage gradually disappears.

As a result, the toe moves less smoothly and often causes pain when walking, especially during the rolling motion of the foot.

The most common symptom is pain in and around the big toe, especially when walking or playing sports.

Additionally, you often notice that the toe becomes increasingly stiff and difficult to bend upwards.

Sometimes swelling or thickening occurs around the joint, and a bump may become visible on top of the toe.

This makes wearing certain shoes difficult and can hinder daily activities.

The treatment depends on the severity of the wear and the symptoms.

Initially, a non-surgical approach is usually chosen: customized shoes and/or insoles as well as painkillers can provide relief.

If this is insufficient, surgery may be necessary.

In an earlier stage, a percutaneous cheilectomy can be performed. Here, the surgeon removes the bone spurs around the joint through a small incision in the skin.
This improves mobility and reduces pain.

In advanced wear, an arthrodesis (joint fusion) may be the best solution.
Although the toe becomes permanently stiff, the pain usually disappears completely, allowing you to walk comfortably again.

After a percutaneous cheilectomy, you may walk with a special postoperative shoe. Then, the mobility of the toe is gradually retrained.

After an arthrodesis, you wear a special shoe (Barouck shoe) for 6 weeks until the bone is fully fused.

Afterwards, you can resume your activities without pain.

Your foot may be swollen for up to 3 months after the surgery.