Causes
The causes of osteoarthritis are generally poorly understood. Mechanical overload, for example due to the flattening of the arch of the foot, but also systemic diseases that lead to inflammation in the body (e.g. gout) can contribute to joint arthrosis in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is a very important joint for the physiological gait, something we are often unaware of in everyday life.
When we roll over our foot, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe has to release the movement. In a hallux rigidus, this process is painfully restricted and limping or other gentle mechanisms can occur. This can also cause problems in the ankle, knee or hip joint.
OP
Splints, insoles and adapted footwear are used to relieve the Hallux rigidus as well as for postoperative treatment to protect the joint. They all contribute to painless and physiological rolling over the foot. There is a wide range of splints available, so please consult a therapist, medical supply store or orthopedist who will adapt the splint to the individual patient.
Splints can also be helpful in the case of an additional hallux valgus (inward deviation of the toe). There are so-called unrolling soles/insoles which position the toe in a certain way to avoid pain. Often individually fitted splints and shoes are also co-financed by the health insurance company and can improve functionality in everyday life and symptoms.
Summary
Hallux rigidus is a progressive disease caused by arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. It leads to joint deformities and loss of movement, up to and including complete stiffening of the joint. If conservative therapy is no longer possible, surgery can be performed.
In this case, an individual adaptation to the patient has to be made depending on the severity and symptoms. A distinction is made between joint-preserving (cheilectomy, repositioning operation) and stiffening operations. The artificial joint replacement is very controversial.
Conservatively, an attempt is made to maintain joint mobility for as long as possible through mobilization exercises, stretching exercises and strengthening exercises, and to keep the symptoms as low as possible in everyday life. The use of orthopedic insoles, shoes or splints is a good way to support the joint mobility. Massage treatments can also be effective in alleviating acute symptoms. It is also important to include the gait pattern and surrounding joints in the treatment of hallux rigidus, since these structures are often affected by the gentle posture and the limping mechanism.
