About this disease
What it is about
Osteoarthritis is the wearing away of joints. Here, the cartilage narrows until, in the final stage, bone rubs against bone. This can be very painful. In addition, it comes to movement restrictions. In the case of hallux, this is particularly noticeable when rolling or tiptoeing. Wear and tear is accelerated by risk factors. In addition to genetic factors, body weight, stress on the joint during sports and pre-existing deformities play a role, among other things.
Symptoms and consequences
Symptoms include weight-bearing pain, painful restriction of motion, painful passive flexion and extension, irritation in the shoe from the bone attachments, and misalignment and rearfoot changes.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
An X-ray in two planes is usually sufficient to diagnose hallux rigidus.
Treatment
Conservative therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers and the fitting of shoes with soft bedding and hard soles and, if necessary, a roll-off aid. Injections into the joint are also possible. In surgical therapy, there are various options: removal of the bone attachments, joint fusion, joint removal, and an artificial joint.