What is hallux pain?
The hallux is the great toe, or big toe, and sometimes it can be a bit of a pain. Let’s look at some common question asked about the hallux toe.
What is hallux valgus of the foot?
Hallux valgus is when the great toe leans or moves toward, or in the direction of the second toe, away from the other foot. This frequently pushes on the bone behind the great toe, called the first metatarsal. The first metatarsal is the bone in your foot to which the toe is attached, and it gets pushed in the opposite direction, toward the other foot. The result is a deformity of the foot called a bunion. It appears as a “bump” or “lump” on the side of the foot, just behind the hallux toe.
What is hallux rigidus limitus?
When there is decreased range of motion (ROM) of the great toe (hallux) in the “up” direction, the ROM is said to be “limited”, a condition known as hallux limitus. It is a progressive or degenerative process that, over time, leads to less and less ROM, or a more stiff or rigid joint, called “hallux rigidus.” As the condition progresses from mild to more moderate, a formation of bone on the top of the joint, called a bone spur, may occur. In the most advanced cases, there is NO ROM of the great toe. The condition is often accompanied by hallux pain, which can be mild to severe.
What is the cause of a hallux valgus deformity?
Hallux valgus (commonly called a bunion) is hereditary in nature. It is not caused by shoes or poor shoe selection. The deformity starts as a muscle imbalance between the muscles pulling the great toe to the left versus to the right. While you cannot prevent a bunion from occurring, you can take measures to slow down the progression once it starts to form.
What are the treatment options for hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and
hallux limitus?
In many cases, non-surgical treatments will ease pain or slow the progression of hallux deformities. Depending on the severity, surgery may become an option.