Do you ever experience pain or stiffness on the top of your big toe joint while running? Have you noticed that the range of motion within the big toe joint in your foot is less than others? Can you feel a bump or protuberance on top of your big toe joint? You may have a condition known as hallux limitus. Some of the most common causes of hallux limitus include: a long first ray (segment of the foot including the big toe and 1st metatarsal), hypermobility of first ray, elevated first ray, or degenerative joint disease due to arthritis or previous trauma. You may notice intense pain when running or when bending your big toe joint-this may lead to compensatory changes in your gait. If untreated, hallux limitus can eventually progress to hallux rigidus over time: this means that the limited amount of motion you once had at your big toe joint is now completely gone as a result of arthritis, exostosis (bone proliferation on top of your big toe joint), and decreased joint space.
Conservative treatment:
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Rest, ice, compression, elevation
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Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs
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Steroid injection therapy
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Shoegear choices or modifications
Surgical treatment:
After all conservative treatment options have been exhausted, or if the progression of your hallux limitus is beyond the initial stages of treatment, you may have to consider surgical options.
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Cheilectomy (removal of the painful exostosis of bone on top of your big toe joint)
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Arthroplasy (removes part of the bone and cartilage to create a more functional joint)
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Joint implants
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Arthrodesis (fusion of your big toe joint to remove pain, but usually a last resort because it also eliminates motion at the joint)
Progression of hallux limitus can be slowed if identified in early stages-please give us a call today at 406-721-4007 if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.