Hallux Rigidus


It’s a big problem when any of your joints become less flexible, but that’s especially true of the MTP, or big toe joint. MTP is short for metatarsophalangeal, which means the MTP joint connects the big toe to the rest of the foot, and “hallux rigidus” is the term used to describe a stiff big toe. When we walk, we push off the ground with the balls of our feet and rise onto our toes, making it crucial for the big toe joint to be flexible. If yours has been swelling, you should schedule an appointment with Mercer-Ocean Podiatry in northern New Jersey immediately.


The MTP joint depends on its cartilage to move smoothly. That cartilage may be worn away through overuse, or it may deteriorate in response to rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Not everybody develops hallux rigidus, but people are at greater risk if their feet roll inward when they walk or their shoes don’t provide sufficient room for their toes to bend.


If hallux rigidus is allowed to progress, the toe may develop a bone spur that will be visible from the exterior of the foot. The spur might need to be removed surgically, but less invasive treatments may work if the problem is caught early. Besides wearing shoes with wider toeboxes, a patient might try a shoe with a rocker bottom that won’t require them to bend their toes as much. We can also provide anti-inflammatory medications and orthotics that will prevent overpronation, and examine the patient for other foot problems, such as fallen arches, that may be causing overuse of the MTP joint.


Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani run Mercer-Ocean Podiatry. For the location at 2103 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, 08619, call 609-585-3200. For the location at 202 Rte 37 W, Suite 4, Toms River, New Jersey, 08755, call 732-557-4266. For the location at 666 Plainsboro Rd Suite 1050, Plainsboro New Jersey, 08536, call 609-269-5800. Visit New Jersey Foot.




 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Tendinosis

Choosing Shoes for Children

Clipping Toenails