Hallux limitus is a condition that will affect the joint where your big toe connects to your foot. That is called your hallux. The condition causes problems with flexibility in the joint, and you won’t bend your big toe very well. Eventually, the inflexibility causes pain. That pain becomes worse when you walk. Over time, you may also experience bone spurs and arthritis in the area, making it rigid. That is what is known as hallux rigidus.
How To Treat Hallux Limitus
Wear the proper shoes-your shoes need to be the right size and length as well as the width, so there is no pressure on your big toe or the joint. It would be best if you also had a shoe with a rigid sole. That will reduce the bending your big toe does when you walk. A gel pad (choose a soft one) will help because it takes the pressure off the joint somewhat.
Custom orthotics-a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics if you are someone who suffers from flat feet because that makes this condition a bit more complicated.
Medicine-your podiatrist may also recommend medicine to make this condition easier to bear. It will help with inflammation and pain.
Ice-you can ice the area twice a day but do not exceed fifteen minutes each time.
Injections-if these methods don’t work, your podiatrist will recommend corticosteroid injections. They provide temporary relief and help with pain and the inflammation that occurs.
Surgery-if nothing else works, and you have gone into hallux rigidus and severe symptoms, you will need surgery. A foot deformity that is causing this issue will need to be corrected with surgery as well.
The highly specialized medical team at Your Next Step Podiatry has offices in several convenient locations. We serve Berwyn, Chester County, and the Western Suburbs. We also serve Montgomery County, Greater Philadelphia and Lower Merion, and the Downingtown areas. We can help bring your feet back to their best health. Board-certified Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, board qualified, offer diagnoses and appropriate services for treating various conditions. Call our Downingtown office at (610) 873-0322 or our Ardmore office at (610) 642-8837 to see us right away.