What is Hallux Rigidus?
Hallux Rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis that affects the big toe joint, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion. In athletes, this condition can worsen over time due to repetitive impact, poor footwear, or untreated microtrauma. It may begin as mild discomfort during toe-off but can progress to severe joint degeneration if left unaddressed. In this article, we describe the causes, symptoms, and physiotherapy strategies for managing hallux rigidus and maintaining athletic performance.
Definition
The Hallux Rigidus is a condition in which the joint of the big toe becomes stiff and limits the mobility of the same. This condition can cause pain and difficulty walking and performing daily activities. The Hallux Rigidus usually develops gradually and may be caused by a previous injury in the big toe joint of the foot, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, deformities of the feet, among other causes. The diagnosis of Hallux Rigidus is based on the clinical and radiological evaluation, and treatment may include medications, physical therapy, orthotics, and surgery in severe cases.
Causes
There are several causes of Hallux Rigidus, including:
- Arthritis: osteoarthritis is The most common cause of Hallux Rigidus. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people around the world. As the disease progresses, the joint of the big toe can become rigid and painful.
- Injuries: injuries to the joint in the big toe, such as fractures or sprains can also cause Hallux Rigidus.
- Overload: overload repetitive of the big toe joint of the foot, such as running or walking long distances, it can wear down the joint and cause Hallux Rigidus.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Hallux Rigidus is performed by a clinical and radiological evaluation. During the clinical evaluation, the physical therapist will evaluate the mobility of the big toe joint of the foot and look for signs of inflammation or pain. The x-ray is an important tool for the diagnosis of Hallux Rigidus may show degenerative changes in the joint.
Treatment
The treatment of Hallux Rigidus depends upon the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve mobility of the joint.
- Medications: pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with Hallux Rigidus.
- Physical therapy: physical therapy can help to improve the mobility and strength of the joint of the big toe. Mobility exercises and stretches can help maintain the flexibility of the joint, while the strengthening exercises can improve muscle strength.
- Orthotics: orthotics, such as templates or heel supports, can help to relieve the pressure in the big toe joint of the foot and improve the alignment of the foot.
- Surgery: In severe cases of Hallux Rigidus, surgery may be needed to restore the mobility of the joint.
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation after the treatment of the Hallux Rigidus it is important to ensure a full recovery and a safe return to everyday activities.
- Mobility exercises: mobility exercises and stretches can help maintain the flexibility of the joint and prevent stiffness after treatment. These exercises should be conducted regularly, following the instructions of the physical therapist.
- Strengthening exercises: once you have achieved the proper motility of the joint, they can begin performing strengthening exercises to improve muscle strength of the foot and prevent future injuries.
- Use of orthotics: In some cases, it may be advisable to continue using orthosis after treatment to improve the alignment of the foot and prevent overloading in the big toe joint of the foot.
- Graduality in physical activity: it Is important to return to the physical activities gradually and following the instructions of the physical therapist. It is advisable to start with low-impact activities and gradually increase the intensity.
Back action
The return to action after the treatment of the Hallux Rigidus should be gradual and guided by the physical therapist. It is important to start with low-impact activities and gradually increase the intensity as you recover the strength and mobility of the foot.
It is possible that it is necessary to continue using the orthosis after treatment to improve the alignment of the foot and prevent overloading in the big toe joint of the foot. In addition, it is important to continue doing strengthening exercises and stretching to prevent future injury and to maintain the mobility of the joint.
It is recommended to avoid activities that exert a lot of pressure on the big toe of the foot, such as running or jumping for a while after treatment. Instead, you can perform activities like walking, swimming or riding a bicycle to keep the physical activity.
In summary, the back to the action after the treatment of the Hallux Rigidus should be gradual and guided by the physiotherapist, and should avoid high-impact activities that may overload the joint of the big toe.
Note: this article is only intended to be informational use. In any case self-diagnose. If you suffer from any medical condition, we recommend that you go to your physical therapy clinic of confidence.
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Bibliography and Webgrafía
- Aragon-Sanchez, J., & Hernández-Cortés, P. (2019). Update in the management of Hallux Rigidus. Spanish journal of orthopaedic surgery and traumatology, 63(3), 179-187.
- Garcia, C. A., & García, J. J. (2020). Hallux rigidus. Review of the literature. Mexican journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology, 34(4), 217-223.
