Hallux Limitus
What is Hallux Limitus?
What are they symptoms of Hallux Limitus?
What causes Hallux Limitus?
What is Hallux Limitus?
Hallux Limitus, is where the big toe joint becomes stiff and often painful with movement. This is usually caused by osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) of the joint at the base of the big toe.
In some case the joint becomes completely stiff and does not move at all – Hallux Rigidus.
What are they symptoms of Hallux Limitus?
Symptoms of Hallux Limitus include:
- Pain on movement of your big toe
- Limited movement of the big toe joint due to pain and stiffness
- An enlarged big toe joint which can rub on shoes which are too narrow
- Increased pain on wearing shoes with higher heels or which have very flexible soles.
What causes Hallux Limitus?
In many cases it may not be clear why you have developed Hallux Limitus but it can be due to:
- Direct injury
- Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- The normal aging process
- Altered foot function
- Overuse or repeated minor trauma, for example jobs that involve a lot of kneeling or squatting and certain sports such as football.
How to treat Hallux Limitus
None of these treatments will cure Hallux Limitus but they should help you to manage your symptoms.
If you have persistent redness, heat, pain and swelling that cannot be explained by increased activity or rubbing from footwear please seek medical advice.
Rocker-soled shoes are very effective in managing Hallux Limitus. They have thick soles which taper toward the toes from just behind ball of the forefoot. This allows the shoe to rock forward as you walk or if you press down on the toe area- Wear well-fitting shoes with a low heel and laces or an adjustable strap fitting.
- Avoid shoes with thin/flexible soles.
- Avoid high heels or narrow shoes.
- See our footwear advice for more information.
Put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a tea towel on your joint for up to 20 minutes every two to three hours.
Gentle massage and movement of the forefoot will help reduce stiffness of the joint and increase mobility.
Over the counter or prescribed insoles may help support and offload the big toe joint.
Please discuss the appropriate type of pain relief for you with your pharmacist or GP.
Also in this section
You should try these first line treatments for at least 12 weeks. If you notice an improvement please continue to follow the treatments until your symptoms become manageable.
If you have followed the treatment for at least 12 weeks and your symptoms aren’t manageable please contact a healthcare professional for advice. This may be your GP, Pharmacist, NHS Podiatry Service or a Private Podiatrist.
Please make sure your Podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and look out for the letters HCPC after their name.
