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You are in Deformities > Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
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Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
When you have a stiff big toe, walking can become painful and difficult.

An unmovable big toe (Hallux Rigidus) often is the most common form of arthritis in your foot.

"Wear-and-tear" injuries also can wear down the articular cartilage, causing raw bone ends to rub together. A bone spur, or overgrowth, may develop on the top of the bone. This overgrowth can prevent the toe from bending as much as it needs to when you walk.

Symptoms may include:

  • A bump, like a bunion that develops on the top of the foot.

  • Pain in the joint when you are active, especially as you push-off on the toes when you walk.

  • Stiffness in the big toe and an inability to bend it up or down.

  • Swelling around the joint.

When damage is mild or moderate, a surgical procedure may be performed to remove the bone spurs, as well as a portion of the foot bone, to allow the toe more room to bend.