Hallux Rigidus is a disorder that occurs in the joint at the root of the big toe and is mostly seen between the ages of 25-65. As a result of stiffness in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint between the metatarsal bone and the thumb, the patient complains of pain and has difficulty walking and moving. The metatarsophalangeal joint, like all other joints, ends in bone covered by cartilage.
As a result of wear and tear caused by damage to the articular cartilage, the bone ends rub against each other. Excessive friction can cause an enlargement of the top of the bone or a bone spur. Due to this growth or spur, the bending of the big toe during movement is restricted and over time the toe becomes unbendable. Frequent squatting or working while rising on tiptoe and advanced flatfoot can be among the causes of Hallux Rigidus.
What are the Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)?
Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus include restricted movement and pain while standing or walking. The pain intensifies in rainy and humid weather and can also be felt while running and squatting. Excessive load put on the first MTP joint can lead to redness and swelling around the joint bone. This swelling causes discomfort when wearing shoes.
What are the Treatment Stages
As a result of the physical examination and radiological examinations to be performed by the relevant physician, a definitive diagnosis is made, and treatment methods appropriate to the stage of the disease are applied. In cases where the discomfort causes swelling and redness in the joint, it is treated by applying ice to the foot and using pain-relieving medications, while the person is advised not to put a load on the foot and to get plenty of rest. In addition, the patient’s complaints will decrease by applying contrast bath therapy to the aching foot.
How to Perform Contrast Bath Therapy?
In performing the therapy, the aching foot is kept in cold water for 30 seconds, then kept in hot water for 30 minutes and finally the foot is kept in cold water for an additional 5 minutes. This therapy can be performed three times a day.
Under Which Conditions Should Surgery Be Performed?
In order to perform Hallux Rigidus surgery, the disease must be at least at a moderate stage. In the foot with moderate Hallux Rigidus, the growing bone part is cut, and the toe is made bendable again. Rest is very important after the operation. Swelling may be observed in the toes for a while.
After resting, the patient should wear the shoes recommended by the physician. If Hallux Rigidus is at an advanced stage, the damage will be very severe. During the operation, the cartilage tissue is completely removed, and the joint is fixed with the help of plates or screws. After this procedure, the finger will not be able to bend, because the main purpose of this operation is to relieve pain.
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