What Is Meant By Hallux Limitus? How It Caused And What Are Different Methods Of Treatment Used?

Hallux limitus is very clearly defined by its very name. Hallux in medical language means big toe. The disease that leads to limited movement of big toe is called hallux limitus. Hallux limitus is also known as hallux rigidus or big toe stiffness. Hallux limitus is a form of gout and it is degenerative arthritis at metatarsal phalangeal joint that is responsible for it. The toe affected by hallux limitus becomes stiff and the person fails to move his toe like before. The movement of toe joint becomes limited and stiff.

Symptoms of hallux limitus:

The main symptoms are pain and stiffness in the big toe joint. This can lead to difficulty in performing certain tasks like running. Other symptoms that indicate hallux limitus are swelling and pain around the affected joint.

Person suffering with hallux limitus faces difficulty in some tasks. For people who are severely affected with this disease, special shoes are available which reduce the difficulty in walking. These hallux limitus shoes have bigger toe boxes. They help reduce the pressure on toe joint. Shoes with rigid and rock bottom soles can also be preferred.

Treatment methods for hallux limitus:

There are different treatment methods adopted for hallux limitus. There are both non-surgical and surgical methods available for treatment of hallux limitus. Non-surgical methods are generally used for mild hallux limitus. Anti-inflammatory drugs, injection therapy and physical therapy are some of non-surgical methods employed for treatment of hallux limitus. However, surgical methods are used in most of the cases of hallux limitus. Some of the surgical methods used are:

Arthrodesis: This is a method of joint fusion. It involves artificial induction of joint ossification among two bones by surgical methods.

Keller procedure: This procedure is usually employed in case of older patients. It involves removal of bone spurs and some reshaping of MTP joint.

There are many other surgical methods that are employed for the treatment of hallux limitus. Hallux limitus is also an inheritable disease like gout. The sooner the condition of hallux limitus is diagonised, the easier it is to cure. Hallux limitus is mostly caused by wear and tear of big toe joint. It may also be caused due to inflammatory diseases like arthritis. While in other cases, it can be due to structural deformation or accidents. As hallux limitus is a degenerative disease, the condition becomes worse with time and the big toe joint movement gradually decreases. Hallux limitus is one of the causes of big toe joint pain. This disorder is most likely to occur in older people. People who are faced with heavy work and stress are also susceptible to hallux limitus. Early detection and cure can prevent the painful after effects of hallux limitus.