Hallux Rigidus (Big Toe Arthritis) Treatment in Fairfax, VA

Overview

Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe. As cartilage wears, bone spurs form on top of the joint and the toe gradually loses its ability to bend upward. Because that motion is needed every time you push off, it can make walking, running, and squatting painful.

Symptoms

• Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint, especially when pushing off
• A bony bump on top of the joint that rubs in shoes
• Swelling and occasional redness
• Pain with running, squatting, or wearing heels
• Walking on the outside of the foot to avoid the toe

Causes and risk factors

• Wear and tear over time
• Previous injury to the big toe, including turf toe
• Foot structure, such as a long or elevated first metatarsal
• Gout and inflammatory arthritis

Diagnosis

We examine the joint's range of motion and take weight-bearing X-rays to stage the arthritis and size any bone spurs. The stage guides treatment.

Treatment

• Conservative: stiff-soled or rocker-bottom shoes, a roomier toe box, and custom orthotics with a Morton's extension
• Injections: corticosteroid or regenerative injections for earlier stages
• Joint-sparing surgery: cheilectomy, removing bone spurs to restore motion, often done minimally invasively
• End-stage surgery: big toe joint fusion, a reliable, durable option for advanced arthritis (Reconstructive Surgery & Trauma)

When to see us

If big toe pain is changing how you walk, limiting exercise, or making shoes uncomfortable, book a visit at our Fairfax office.

Dr. Andrew Falco's expertise includes minimally invasive surgery, and Dr. Shyaun Rafii gained extensive minimally invasive experience in residency. When surgery is needed, we consider joint-sparing options first and explain the trade-offs of each.