Hallux Rigidus: Causes, Treatments & Pain Relief with PowerStep®

Hallux rigidus is a type of arthritis that affects the big toe joint, causing pain and stiffness that makes it hard to walk. Early treatment using shoe inserts like PowerStep Morton’s Extension insoles can help you avoid long term pain and disability. Learn more about the condition and treatment options that can help you move pain-free.

In This Article:

• What is hallux rigidus?
• Symptoms
• Causes and Risk Factors
• When to See a Podiatrist
• Treatments and Surgery

Hallux Rigidus (Big Toe Arthritis)

Hallux rigidus is the most common type of foot arthritis. It is a type of wear and tear arthritis that happens when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes stiffer over time. Hallux means “big toe” and rigidus means “rigid” or stiff.

The big toe plays a significant role in movement and stability, helping you walk, bend over, climb, and stand. There are two joints in the big toe. The largest is the metatarsophalangeal joint, or the MTP joint, that connects the base of the big toe to your foot.

The MTP joint aids in balance and pushing off the ground when running or walking. When the cartilage around the joint is damaged and bones rub together, it can lead to inflammation and bone spurs that prevent bending, causing stiffness and pain when you walk.

Did you know that PowerStep orthotic insoles are clinically proven to improve foot function and stability? Learn more about our clinical research.

Hallux Limitus vs Hallux Rigidus vs Bunions

Hallux rigidus is a progressive condition. Without treatment, the joint will become stiffer with time until it is completely “frozen” with no movement. In the early stages, when the big toe has slightly limited movement, it is called hallux limitus.

Along with limited motion, one of the symptoms of hallux rigidus is a bump on the top of the big toe joint. For this reason, hallux rigidus may be confused with bunions. Although they affect the same joint, bunions are not the same as hallux rigidus and require different treatment.

Symptoms

Stiffness and pain when flexing the big toe joint are the first signs of hallux rigidus. Some activities or conditions can aggravate symptoms including cold, damp weather, running, stooping down, and wearing shoes that are too tight.

Overall, hallux rigidus symptoms include:

• Pain in or around the big toe
• Stiffness in the big toe
• Swelling around the joint
• Difficulty bending
• A bump on the top of the joint
• Redness and inflammation

If hallux rigidus is more advanced, bone spurs have likely developed, causing pain while resting or wearing shoes. Hip, knee and back pain can also occur if you’ve changed the way you walk to compensate for the pain.

Causes & Risk Factors

Hallux rigidus is caused by the wear and tear of the big toe joint with resulting bone spurs. It is more common in people with structural defects that change how the foot and big toe function. Certain factors can put you at a greater risk, including:

• Genetics or inheriting a foot type that is more at risk.
• Flat feet or pronating ankles put excess stress on the big toe joint.
• Bunions also put more stress and pressure on the big toe.
• Poor alignment in foot anatomy or unusually long foot or toe bones.
• Past injuries such as turf toe, a toe sprain, or stubbing your toe.
• Overuse from careers or activities that put pressure on the ball of the foot.
• Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Can a podiatrist treat hallux rigidus?

If you pain and stiffness makes it hard to bend your big toe, see your foot doctor or healthcare provider. Hallux rigidus is easiest to treat early on when bone spurs or arthritis have not set in. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, check your range of motion, and may take x-rays to look for bone spurs, arthritis or other problems.

Based on your symptoms and progression, your podiatrist may recommend several treatments including over-the-counter insoles like PowerStep Morton’s Extension insoles from the #1 podiatrist-recommended brand.

Morton’s Extension Insoles for Hallux Rigidus

When treating hallux limitus or rigidus, a shoe insert that limits movement of the big toe joint helps relieve pain, promote healing, and improve foot function.

The PowerStep Morton’s Extension inserts have a built-in carbon fiber stiffener plate that rests under the big toe joint to stabilize and limit movement, reducing pain for better healing. Our trusted arch support and cushioning also help improve comfort and overall alignment.

Morton’s Extension insoles support your every step and reduce how much the big toe bends so you can walk without pain. PowerStep’s hallux rigidus orthotics deliver the perfect balance of comfort, stability and support for those with big toe joint pain and other common foot conditions including pronation.

What is the best treatment for hallux rigidus?

The best way to treat hallux rigidus is to treat it early with non-surgical methods. This can help prevent the need for surgery in the future. The following hallux rigidus treatment options help reduce symptoms, but they will not cure or get rid of the condition:

• Medications. Pain relievers like anti-inflammatories and NSAIDs can relieve pain and inflammation.
• Injections. Corticosteroid injections into the joint can help reduce inflammation.
• Ice packs. Icing the area several times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Contrast bath. Soaking your feet for 30 second intervals in cold and then warm water for up to five minutes may help relieve inflammation.
• Shoe inserts. Hallux rigidus orthotics with arch support help limit movement of the MTP joint and improve foot function.
• Footwear. The best shoes for hallux rigidus have large toe boxes to minimize pressure and stiff soles, preferably rocker bottom soles.

Surgery for Hallux Rigidus

Most people do not need surgery unless non-surgical treatments do not help, or symptoms make daily tasks feel impossible. There are several kinds of hallux rigidus surgery such as bone spur removal, joint fusion, joint resurfacing and joint replacement surgery. Your doctor can help determine which is right for you.

Does hallux rigidus ever go away?

Hallux rigidus will not go away on its own. The only way to permanently get rid of hallux rigidus is through surgery. However, a combination of non-surgical treatments like wearing shoe inserts, doing mobility exercises, and wearing the right shoes are often enough to relieve symptoms.

Relieve Big Toe Pain & Stiffness with PowerStep Orthotics

Hallux rigidus can make everyday activities painful and difficult. With the right treatment, get moving without big toe pain holding you back. PowerStep Morton's Extension insoles offer a comfortable and effective way to manage hallux rigidus symptoms and improve your foot function.

PowerStep does not diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please see a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of hallux rigidus. PowerStep Morton’s Extension orthotics may help reduce symptoms of hallux rigidus, but do not treat the condition.

References:

Hallux Rigidus. (n.d.) FootHealthFacts.org.

Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe). (2022).  OrthoInfo - AAOS.

Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus). (n.d.). FootCareMD.

Hallux Rigidus: Treatment, Symptoms & Repair. (2023). Cleveland Clinic.