Functional Hallux Limitus

The first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot is a small joint and may seem not that important of a joint in the grand scheme of things, but it is surprisingly an extremely important joint for normal daily functioning. Then the body move forward, it does so by pivoting over the foot about that joint. A number of conditions can affect that joint and inhibit that forward motion. Probably the most common is a condition known as functional hallux limitus. Functional hallux limitus is a functional problem of that joint that only occurs during functioning. During non-weight bearing, the joint as a full range of motion, yet during walking or running the joint does not seem to want to move to use that full range of motion. It is not clear exactly what causes functional hallux limitus and if it is caused by something else or is a primary problem. The most common treatment for functional hallux limitus is to facilitate plantarflexion of the first ray, so motion at the joint is enhanced.