It is spring in Montana and that means it is time to get back outside and hit the trails. Whether you are walking around the neighborhood this spring or climbing the “M” your foot health is important. What does “hallux” mean anyway? Hallux comes from the Latin word “allux” meaning big toe. Hallux limitus simply means to have a decrease in motion of your big toe. Big toe movement is necessary for normal pain free walking. This motion allows the foot to push off the ground and propel us forward. Without this movement, our walking pattern changes leaving us susceptible to further complications.
Why would my big toe have limited motion?
Causes of hallux limitus can range from bony structural issues, trauma, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, long-standing gout, bacterial infection in the joint, rheumatoid arthritis or even psoriatic arthritis. Although a variety of causes, they all have one thing in common, limiting the motion of the big toe.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Signs of hallux limitus occur very slowly, but it is progressive. There may start to be some pain along the top of the big toe or may even find a painful bumpy big to joint. Limited motion causes the normal pressure to move elsewhere in the foot. This may cause a painful big toenail. As it progresses, a callus may develop under the big toe due to the lack of adequate motion.
How do you treat Hallux Limitus?
Treatment of Hallux Limitus depends on the how painful the big toe has become and how much motion is lost. A corticosteroid injection may be indicated to help reduce the inflammation in the joint and relieve the pain. In addition to reducing the pain, shoe modifications with orthotics can be done allow for additional motion of the toe. Hallux Limitus can progress to Hallux Rigidus (complete loss of motion) in which surgical treatment may be considered.
Don’t let Hallux Limitus stop you from enjoying your spring. If you notice any changes in your big toe joint or foot health, please call us at 406-721-4007.
What is Sever’s Disease?
It always amazes me how much energy kids can have. Whether in sports or on the play ground not too much can hold them down. Spring is here and summer is fast approaching which means soccer, baseball, lacrosse, sports camps, and other activities are about to be in full swing. Although teenagers and kids usually brush off any crash and burns, one injury that may arise and be hard to brush off is Sever’s Disease.
Sever’s Disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is seen in kids from 8 to 14 years old. When we are young our bones are still continuing to grow and still have growth plates. Sever’s disease is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Inflammation of the growth plate occurs due to repetitive stress from activities, often sports, combined with tension and pulling of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. A tight Achilles tendon can make matters worse due to increased pressured on the heel bone. This is why young active children are commonly affected by Sever’s Disease.
Sever’s disease is more common in boys than girls and is not limited to one heel. Below are signs and symptoms commonly found with Sever’s Disease:
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Limping
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Swelling and redness of the heel
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Tight calf muscles in combination with heel pain
Treating Sever’s disease can be challenging because it is hard to get kids to slow down. X-rays are sometimes performed to rule out other pathology, but much of the diagnosis can be made with physical exam. Initial treatment focuses on Achilles tendon stretching as well as utilization of heel cups. If symptoms persist, immobilization or fabrication of custom orthotics may be considered. Complete eradication of symptoms may not occur until fusion of the growth plate occurs, but controlling the symptoms can allow kids to continue to compete in the sports they love.
If you suspect Sever’s Disease in your child or notice any changes in their foot health, please give us a call at 406-721-4007.