What is it?
Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe. The cartilage wears and bone spurs form on top of the joint, making the toe stiff and painful.
What causes it?
- General wear of the joint.
- A previous injury to the big toe.
- Foot shape, and sometimes a family tendency.
- Inflammatory arthritis or gout.
Common symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the big toe, especially when walking, running or pushing off.
- A bony lump on top of the joint that rubs in shoes.
- Swelling.
- Pain on the outside of the foot from walking differently to avoid the big toe.
How is it diagnosed?
Your surgeon will examine how much the toe moves and arrange X-rays taken while standing to see the joint space and any bone spurs.
Things you can do now
- Wear stiff-soled or rocker-soled shoes to reduce movement at the joint
- Avoid high heels
- Use a stiff insole or carbon plate
- Use simple pain relief as needed
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include stiff-soled or rocker-sole shoes, insoles, pain relief, a guided steroid injection, cheilectomy (removing bone spurs), fusion of the joint and joint replacement in selected cases.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- The big toe joint is painful and stiff when you walk or push off
- A bony lump on top of the joint rubs in shoes
- Footwear changes are no longer enough
What to expect
Symptoms often fluctuate. Early arthritis may respond to a cheilectomy, while a fusion gives reliable, lasting pain relief for more advanced arthritis.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus) in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus) at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.