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Hallux Rigidus
Hallux Rigidus, also known as stiff big toe, is characterized as arthritis of the main joint in the big toe. Early symptoms are stiffness and pain in the big toe when walking, standing or in other positions when the toe is stressed. Pain and stiffness could also appear when the weather is cold and damp. You might notice some swelling and inflammation surrounding the joint and experience difficulty in walking briskly, running or squatting. As the condition progresses the joint might pain even when resting. There could be difficultyin wearing shoes because of the formation of overgrowths or bone spurs. Since the sufferer might have to alter his or her stance to favor the affected foot, it could result in a dull pain in the knee, hip or lower back.
The precise cause of this condition might be unknown in many cases, but it is most often the result of wear and tear in the joint because of the stresses sustained while walking. Other ailments like gout and infection could be contributory factors. A podiatrist is best placed to diagnose this condition if you experience these symptoms. Treatment is usually cause-specific and often relieved with simple orthotics like suitable insoles. While the condition could remain dormant for several years, in a small percentage of cases the arthritis could deteriorate needing surgical intervention.
Podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Associates treat numerous cases of Hallux Rigidus providing relief to sufferers and offering them a better quality of life. This podiatric clinic is committed to prevention of foot conditions before they deteriorate. For more details of the range of podiatric services, log on to www.sjfeet.com
