Treatment of Hallux Rigidus in the Center for Foot Surgery

When should a specialist be consulted?

A hallux rigidus causes pain when the foot rolls over, and the resilience is severely impaired. A swelling often forms on the big toe, which means that the toe can only be moved to a limited extent. If you have the following complaints, the experienced specialists of the Center for Foot Surgery are there for you:

• Pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe and when rolling
• Painful pressure points, sensitivity to pressure
• Load and movement restrictions
• Altered gait pattern (abnormal gait)

How does hallux rigidus develop?

In many cases, the causes of hallux rigidus remain unclear. This disease is often associated with previous (sports) injuries, a misalignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe (hallux valgus) and incorrect or excessive strain. Genetic predispositions or metabolic diseases such as gout or diabetes can also lead to the formation of hallux rigidus.

Diagnostics and treatment options for hallux rigidus

The orthopedists at the Confraternität Center for Foot Surgery are specialists in changes to the forefoot. To clarify the symptoms, the gait pattern, the mobility of the metatarsophalangeal joint and the painfulness are examined in detail.

The therapy depends on the severity of the disease and is individually tailored to every patient‘s needs. If hallux rigidus is diagnosed at an early stage, our specialists offer various conservative therapies. If these do not achieve the desired effect, the treatment can also be surgical.

The treatment options are:

• Conservative therapy: shoe advice and shoe change, orthopedic shoe inserts, drug treatment
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

How hallux rigidus operation is performed?

Hallux rigidus is also treated surgically by our foot surgery experts. Depending on the severity of the disease, different state-of-the-art surgical techniques are used. In the case of a mild or advanced hallux rigidus, the foot can bear full weight again on the day of the gentle operation. If the arthrosis is already very advanced, the treatment method is to stiffen the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe (arthrodesis). By fixing the joint in a position that is optimal for the patient, those affected can roll pain-free again after the healing phase and physiotherapy.

During a detailed consultation and upon comprehensive diagnostics, a treatment strategy and surgical technique individually tailored to the patient will be selected. At the Center for Foot Surgery at Confraternität Private Hospital hallux rigidus is treated by a team of highly experienced specialists. The hospital has a modern infrastructure and a pleasant atmosphere for inpatient stay. Physiotherapy for follow-up care is offered right after the operation so that patients can get back to their everyday life and sports activities as quickly as possible.