Hallux Limitus

Hallux rigidus means different things to different Podiatrists. Some podiatrists take hallux rigidus to mean that the first metatarsophalangeal joint is rigid; others take hallux rigidus to mean that there is a reduced range of motion of the joint; yet other take the term hallux rigidus to mean osteoarthritis of the joint. It does not matter really which definition of hallux rigidus is used, as we need the first metatarsophalangeal joint for a rocker for forward motion. If that joint does not move due to hallux rigidus, the motion needs to be restored. This is done by the use of a spacer or artificial joint. The only other way to restore the rocker is to use one on the outside of the shoe, so the person with hallux rigidus can pivot forward over it.