Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Request Appointment
Overview
Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus refer to arthritis affecting the big toe joint where it meets the foot. Hallux limitus is characterized by limited motion, while hallux rigidus represents the more severe end stage, often accompanied by significant pain and stiffness.
Anatomy of the Big Toe
The big toe (hallux) comprises two joints, with the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint being the larger one. This joint connects the first bone of the big toe (proximal phalanx) to the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal). It is stabilized by tendons, ligaments, and the plantar complex.
Request Appointment
In Need of Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery?
Causes & Symptoms
Hallux rigidus is a form of osteoarthritis that typically develops over time due to wear and tear on the MTP joint. It is common in dancers, athletes, taller individuals, and those with a history of toe injuries or chronic conditions like gout. Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint
- Swelling and redness around the MTP joint
- Limited range of motion
- A noticeable bump or bone spur on the big toe
- Aggravation during movement or when wearing tight shoes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination of the big toe joint. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be used to detect bone spurs and assess the severity of arthritis. Hallux rigidus is often graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Custom foot orthotics
- Cortisone injections
- Proper footwear
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Ice therapy
- Activity modification and rest
Surgical Options
- Cheilectomy: A cheilectomy involves shaving down bone spurs and growths on the big toe joint to relieve pain and improve range of motion. It can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
- 1st Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion: In severe cases, joint fusion (arthrodesis) may be required. This procedure fuses the bones of the MTP joint, eliminating pain and allowing the patient to return to full activity post-recovery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Post-surgery, patients usually wear a special shoe or boot and take pain relievers. Recovery involves several weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy. Full return to activities can take 4-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the post-surgery recovery process?
Both cheilectomy and fusion are typically outpatient procedures. Recovery involves wearing a special shoe or boot and taking pain relievers. Full recovery can take from a few weeks to several months.
What are the indications for choosing cheilectomy?
Cheilectomy is suitable for mild to moderate hallux rigidus that affects daily life despite conservative treatments.
What is the recovery time after cheilectomy surgery?
Recovery varies but typically spans 1-2 months, with swelling potentially lasting longer.
What are the possible complications of hallux rigidus surgeries?
Complications may include infection, scarring, and pain in the ball of the foot.
Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Overview
Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus refer to arthritis affecting the big toe joint where it meets the foot. Hallux limitus is characterized by limited motion, while hallux rigidus represents the more severe end stage, often accompanied by significant pain and stiffness.
Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
SPORTS FOOT &
ANKLE CENTER
Services
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Fracture
Lisfranc Injury
Ankle Sprain
... + 20 more
Reviews
Jessica Peri
Sameer Alam
Noman Saleemi
Andres Botero
…+ 6 more
Contact
201-777-1245
dr.einfootandankle@gmail.com
Location
SPORTS FOOT &
ANKLE CENTER
Services
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Fracture
Lisfranc Injury
Ankle Sprain
... + 20 more
Testimonials
Jessica Peri
Sameer Alam
Noman Saleemi
Andres Botero
…+ 6 more
Location
Contact
201-777-1245
dr.einfootandankle
@gmail.com
Anatomy of the Big Toe
The big toe (hallux) comprises two joints, with the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint being the larger one. This joint connects the first bone of the big toe (proximal phalanx) to the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal). It is stabilized by tendons, ligaments, and the plantar complex.
Causes & Symptoms
Hallux rigidus is a form of osteoarthritis that typically develops over time due to wear and tear on the MTP joint. It is common in dancers, athletes, taller individuals, and those with a history of toe injuries or chronic conditions like gout. Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint
- Swelling and redness around the MTP joint
- Limited range of motion
- A noticeable bump or bone spur on the big toe
- Aggravation during movement or when wearing tight shoes
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Custom foot orthotics
- Cortisone injections
- Proper footwear
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Ice therapy
- Activity modification and rest
Surgical Options
- Cheilectomy: A cheilectomy involves shaving down bone spurs and growths on the big toe joint to relieve pain and improve range of motion. It can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
- 1st Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion: In severe cases, joint fusion (arthrodesis) may be required. This procedure fuses the bones of the MTP joint, eliminating pain and allowing the patient to return to full activity post-recovery.
Request Appointment
In Need of Hallux Limitus/Rigidus Surgery?
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Post-surgery, patients usually wear a special shoe or boot and take pain relievers. Recovery involves several weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy. Full return to activities can take 4-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the post-surgery recovery process?
Both cheilectomy and fusion are typically outpatient procedures. Recovery involves wearing a special shoe or boot and taking pain relievers. Full recovery can take from a few weeks to several months.
What are the indications for choosing cheilectomy?
Cheilectomy is suitable for mild to moderate hallux rigidus that affects daily life despite conservative treatments.
What is the recovery time after cheilectomy surgery?
Recovery varies but typically spans 1-2 months, with swelling potentially lasting longer.
What are the possible complications of hallux rigidus surgeries?
Complications may include infection, scarring, and pain in the ball of the foot.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination of the big toe joint. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be used to detect bone spurs and assess the severity of arthritis. Hallux rigidus is often graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe.
SPORTS FOOT &
ANKLE CENTER
Services
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Fracture
Lisfranc Injury
Ankle Sprain
... + 20 more
Reviews
Jessica Peri
Sameer Alam
Noman Saleemi
Andres Botero
…+ 6 more
Location
Contact
201-777-1245
dr.einfootandankle@gmail.com
Overview
Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus refer to arthritis affecting the big toe joint where it meets the foot. Hallux limitus is characterized by limited motion, while hallux rigidus represents the more severe end stage, often accompanied by significant pain and stiffness.
Anatomy of the Big Toe
The big toe (hallux) comprises two joints, with the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint being the larger one. This joint connects the first bone of the big toe (proximal phalanx) to the first long bone of the foot (metatarsal). It is stabilized by tendons, ligaments, and the plantar complex.
Causes & Symptoms
Hallux rigidus is a form of osteoarthritis that typically develops over time due to wear and tear on the MTP joint. It is common in dancers, athletes, taller individuals, and those with a history of toe injuries or chronic conditions like gout. Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint
- Swelling and redness around the MTP joint
- Limited range of motion
- A noticeable bump or bone spur on the big toe
- Aggravation during movement or when wearing tight shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the post-surgery recovery process?
Both cheilectomy and fusion are typically outpatient procedures. Recovery involves wearing a special shoe or boot and taking pain relievers. Full recovery can take from a few weeks to several months.
What are the indications for choosing cheilectomy?
Cheilectomy is suitable for mild to moderate hallux rigidus that affects daily life despite conservative treatments.
What is the recovery time after cheilectomy surgery?
Recovery varies but typically spans 1-2 months, with swelling potentially lasting longer.
What are the possible complications of hallux rigidus surgeries?
Complications may include infection, scarring, and pain in the ball of the foot.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination of the big toe joint. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be used to detect bone spurs and assess the severity of arthritis. Hallux rigidus is often graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Custom foot orthotics
- Cortisone injections
- Proper footwear
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Ice therapy
- Activity modification and rest
Surgical Options
- Cheilectomy: A cheilectomy involves shaving down bone spurs and growths on the big toe joint to relieve pain and improve range of motion. It can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
- 1st Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion: In severe cases, joint fusion (arthrodesis) may be required. This procedure fuses the bones of the MTP joint, eliminating pain and allowing the patient to return to full activity post-recovery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Post-surgery, patients usually wear a special shoe or boot and take pain relievers. Recovery involves several weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy. Full return to activities can take 4-6 months.