Which shoe after the operation

A hallux rigidus can be surgically treated in several ways. A joint-preserving operation is possible, in which the joint partners are shifted against each other in the sense of an adjustment, this procedure is also often used in the hallux valgus. Other options would be the use of a joint prosthesis or the complete stiffening of the joint.

In all cases, the patient usually wears a special bandage shoe for up to 6 weeks, which spares the forefoot and thus prevents it from rolling off. With this bandage shoe, the foot may otherwise usually be fully loaded, which can make the use of crutches superfluous. At the end of the first 6 weeks after the operation, the patient can wear normal shoes again in consultation with the treating physician.

The criteria already mentioned above should be strictly observed. The foot and especially the toes should have enough space, there should be no pressure points and the sole should both support the rolling motion and be firm enough to avoid hyperextension of the operated joint in any case. In most cases, individually adapted insoles are also helpful in order to adapt the shoe even better to the patient’s needs. The wearing of shoes with heels should be avoided at all costs.

Shoes for women

According to current shoe fashion, women’s shoes are often cut very narrowly and lie close to the foot or are even pointed. Since it is especially important in a hallux rigidus that the feet and toes have enough room in the shoe, many fashionable shoes are rather unsuitable for this clinical picture. However, there are special shoe models with a wider forefoot that leave enough room for the toes and can therefore be worn without hesitation.

These models can be found in orthopedic shoe stores and also in special online stores. There is also a large selection of closed shoes, ballerinas, sandals and even pumps for these shoes suitable for the Hallux rigidus. Important for the selection is that insoles can be put into the shoes and that the sole is rather firm.