Hallux Rigidus causes pain and stiffness in the joint
Ottawa causes pain and stiffness in the joint, and with time, it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. Ottawa Hallux refers to the big toe, while rigidus indicates that the toe is rigid and cannot move. Hallux rigidus is actually a form of degenerative arthritis.
This disorder can be very troubling and even disabling since we use the big toe whenever we walk, stoop down, climb up or even stand. Many patients confuse Ottawa hallux rigidus with a bunion, which affects the same joint, but they are very different conditions requiring different treatment.
Because hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, the toe’s motion decreases as time goes on. In its earlier stage, when motion of the big toe is only somewhat limited, the condition is called hallux limitus. But as the problem advances, the toe’s range of motion gradually decreases until it potentially reaches the end stage of rigidus, in which the big toe becomes stiff or what is sometimes called a frozen joint.
The sooner this condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, the best time to see a Podiatrist is when you first notice symptoms. If you wait until bone spurs develop, your condition is likely to be more difficult to manage.
In diagnosing Ottawa hallux rigidus, the Podiatrist will examine your feet and move the toe to determine its range of motion. X-rays help determine how much arthritis is present as well as to evaluate any bone spurs or other abnormalities that may have formed.
