What is Hallux Rigidus

What is Hallux Rigidus: Hallux Rigidus is a degenerative joint disease that occurs in the thumb joint. In particular, Hallux Rigidus causes the thumb joint to stiffen and reduce its mobility as a result of the wear of the cartilage tissue on the joint surface. This condition is usually classified as osteoarthritis and manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness and joint deformity in the thumb joint. Although Hallux Rigidus is more common in middle-aged and elderly individuals, it can also develop at a younger age due to factors such as wearing narrow and high-heeled shoes.

Hallux Rigidus occurs as a result of hardening of the joint surfaces and resorption of cartilage tissue due to calcification in the thumb joint. This limits the mobility of the thumb and can lead to difficulties in daily activities, and arthritis in the joint can cause the thumb to bend sideways. As a result, this creates difficulty with basic movements such as walking and standing.

Contents

1. Calcification of the Big Toe
2. How Does Hallux Rigidus Pass?
3. How does arthritis of the big toe go away?
4. Conclusion
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Calcification of the Big Toe

Big toe arthritis, also known as hallux rigidus, refers to degenerative changes that occur in the big toe joint. It also occurs when the cartilage tissue on the joint surfaces wears away and the bones rub against each other. This causes pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement in the joint.

Symptoms

• Pain Severe pain is felt in the thumb joint, especially during movement or when wearing shoes.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the joint and reduced mobility of the thumb.
• Swelling: Swelling and inflammation may occur around the joint.
• Joint Deformity: Deformation of the thumb joint can occur, the thumb can be bent or flexed to the side.
• Redness: Redness and temperature increase can be observed around the joint.

Causes

• Aging: As we age, joint cartilage naturally wears down and the risk of arthritis increases.
• Genetics: Calcification of the big toe is more common in individuals with a family history.
• Traumas: Impacts or repetitive micro traumas to the thumb area can negatively affect joint health.
• Obesity: Excess weight can lead to calcification by increasing the pressure on the joint.
• Wrong Foot Structure: Flat feet or inward or outward curvature of the big toe can cause abnormal pressure on the joint.

How Does Hallux Rigidus Pass?

Hallux Rigidus treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the general health status of the patient. Treatment methods are generally divided into conservative and surgical options.

Conservative Treatment Methods

1. Shoe Change:
   • Wearing shoes with wide toes, soft soles and low heels reduces pressure on the joint.
   • Shoes that provide enough space for the big toe should be preferred.
2. Use of Orthotics:
   • Special orthotic devices that provide support to the big toe joint can be used.
   • Insoles that provide arch support reduce the pressure on the joint.
3. Medication Therapy:
   • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Prescription painkillers should be preferred under the supervision of a doctor.
4. Physical Therapy:
   • Physical therapy methods can be applied to increase joint mobility and strengthen muscles.
   • Special exercises and stretching movements improve joint function.
5. İnfiltrasyonlar:
   • Corticosteroid injections can be used to control inflammation and pain in the joint.
   • The injections provide short-term relief and relieve symptoms.
6. Rest and Ice Application:
   • Resting the affected foot and applying ice regularly reduces pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatment Methods

If conservative treatment methods are inadequate, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options vary depending on the degree of disease progression. They also depend on the extent of joint damage.

1. Osteotomi:
   • The process of reshaping the bones to correct the position of the thumb.
   • It relieves pain and limitation of movement by reducing the pressure on the joint.
2. Arthroplasty
   • Replacement of worn joint surfaces with artificial implants.
   • Improves joint mobility and reduces pain.
3. Arsitotherapy:
   • Removal and cleaning of damaged tissues on joint surfaces.
   • Pain and limitation of movement are eliminated by smoothing the joint surfaces.
4. Joint Fusion
   • Complete immobilization of the thumb joint.
   • Although mobility is lost, the pain is greatly reduced.

The rehabilitation process after surgical treatment is important and the patient needs to continue regular physiotherapy for a full recovery. Rehabilitation also includes exercises to restore joint function and strengthen muscles.

How does arthritis of the big toe go away?

Arthritis of the big toe, also known as hallux rigidus, is usually treated depending on the degree of progression of the disease. There are also various methods that can be applied for arthritis of the big toe.

Methods that can be applied at home

1. Cold Application:
   • A cold compress can be applied to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.
   • An ice pack or cold pack can be used for 15-20 minutes.
2. Rest
   • Resting the affected foot can help reduce pain.
   • Activities that put excessive pressure on the foot should be avoided.
3. Keep your foot elevated:
   • Keeping the feet elevated can reduce swelling.
   • It is useful to keep the feet above the level of the heart during rest.
4. Painkillers
   • Painkillers can be used on the advice of a doctor.
   • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Hot Bath or Hot Compress:
   • Hot baths or hot compresses can be applied to reduce joint stiffness.
   • Promotes healing by increasing blood circulation.

Professional Treatment Methods

1. Physical Therapy
   • Special exercises can be performed to increase joint mobility and strengthen the muscles.
   • Programs recommended by a physical therapist should be implemented.
2. Massage Therapy
   • It can help to relax the muscles around the joint.
   • Regular massage reduces pain and stiffness.
3. İnjeksyonlar:
   • Corticosteroid injections can control inflammation and pain.
   • The injections provide short-term relief.
4. Physical Modalities:
   • Methods such as ultrasound therapy and laser therapy can reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.
   • These methods promote healing of the tissues.

Alternative Treatment Methods

1. Acupuncture
   • It can help in pain management.
   • Supports the body’s natural healing processes.
2. Natural Supplements:
   • Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation.
3. Vegetable Oils:
   • Vegetable oils applied on the joint can reduce inflammation.
   • Oils such as ginger oil, peppermint oil relieve pain.

Lifestyle Changes

• Regular Exercise:
  • It is important to exercise regularly to strengthen the foot muscles and increase joint mobility.
  • Activities that do not put too much pressure on the joints such as swimming and cycling should be preferred.
• Weight Control:
  • As excess weight increases the pressure on joints, maintaining a healthy weight protects joint health.
  • Weight control should be achieved with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Choosing the Right Shoes:
  • Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes positively affects joint health.
  • High heels and narrow shoes should be avoided.
• Foot Care:
  • Regular foot massages and attention to foot hygiene support joint health.
  • Problems that may occur in the feet should be treated early.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hallux Rigidus and arthritis of the big toe are important joint disorders that seriously affect the quality of life of the individual by causing problems such as pain in the foot, limitation of movement and difficulty in walking. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches, the effects of these problems can be reduced and even their progression can be stopped. In the treatment of these diseases; there is a wide range of treatments such as rest, drug therapy, physical therapy applications, orthosis use and surgical intervention when necessary. During the treatment process, it is also very important for the patient to make some changes in their lifestyle.In particular, measures such as choosing the right shoes and doing regular foot exercises are important. Maintaining an ideal weight and avoiding excessive strain on the feet also help to control the disease.

It should not be forgotten that not every pain felt in the foot may be a simple sign of fatigue. It is important to consult an orthopedic and traumatology specialist, especially if there are symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, pain or restriction of movement in the big toe area. Thanks to an early evaluation, an appropriate treatment plan can be created. This can help reduce pain and prevent the progression of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions