Arthritis affecting the big toe joint
The human foot is composed of 26 bones and 33 joints and like all joints over time due to continual use they become worn, do not work as well and can become deformed.
Osteoarthritis is the medical term given to the most common type of joint arthritis.
A joint just like a hinge on a door is made up of two opposing bone surfaces held together by ligaments and whose ends are covered in a material called cartilage. The joint is covered on the outside by the joint capsule.
Joints like to move freely and are lubricated with a substance called synovial fluid.
Osteoarthritis will affect all joints within the foot.
Normal joint
Hallux limitus and Hallux rigidus
When non-surgical treatment has failed to resolve the problem, these two conditions which affect the big toe joint are the most common we see here at The Yorkshire Foot Hospital.
Hallux limitus
What are the symptoms of Hallux limitus?
When the quality and range of movement within the first metatarsophalangeal (big toe) joint is limited when the toe joint is bent backwards towards you.
This is usually a progressive condition, the degree of pain and discomfort is often dependent on how much weight and force is placed through the joint when you are standing, walking and participating in sport.
When we walk the big toe bends, takes your weight and helps to push you forward, with Hallux limitus when you are fully weight bearing this movement can be restricated as the joint temporarily locks, even though your toe may bend normally when sitting.
Hallux limitus joint space narrowing
What causes Hallux limitus?
Hallux limitus boney lump on top of big toe joint
Non-surgical Treatment for Hallux limitus
When patients initially present with this condition we prefer to treat non-surgically. To confirm a diagnosis we are able to refer in-house at The Yorkshire Foot Hospital for an x-ray :
If this first stage approach does not provide the correct level of relief:
Surgical Treatment for Hallux limitus
There are a number of surgical treatments available at The Yorkshire Foot Hospital for the Hallux limitus.
Following consultation and a review of your x-rays, your Consultant Podiatric Surgeon will decide upon the best treatment of choice based on a number of factors:
Cheilectomy procedure
This procedure is generally undertaken to surgically treat mild to moderate joint arthritis on an Outpatient basis.
The aims of this procedure is to:
Kessel – Bonney procedure
This procedure is generally undertaken to surgically treat moderate joint arthritis on an Outpatient basis.
The aims of this procedure is to:
Hallux rigidus
Ongoing deterioration with further destruction of the articular cartilage as seen in Hallux limitus will over time lead to Hallux rigidus.
What are the symptoms of Hallux rigidus
The eventual destruction of joint cartilage and total loss of joint space caused by bone rubbing on bone leads to gross joint degeneration.
What causes Hallux rigidus
Non-surgical Treatment for Hallux rigidus
When patients initially present with this condition we prefer to treat non-surgically.
To confirm a diagnosis we shall refer to our Radiology Department here at The Yorkshire Foot Hospital for an x-ray :
If this first stage approach does not provide the correct level of relief :
Surgical Treatment for Hallux rigidus
There are a number of surgical treatments available at The Yorkshire Foot Hospital for the Hallux rigidus. Following consultation and a review of your x-rays, your Consultant Podiatric Surgeon will decide upon the best treatment of choice based on a number of factors :
Keller Excision Arthroplasty
This procedure is undertaken on an Outpatient basis.
The aims of this procedure are to:
Joint Fusion
This procedure is undertaken on an Outpatient basis.
The aims of this procedure are to:
Cartiva Joint Implant
For those patients who present with arthritic joint changes and still retain a fairly good range of movement, the Cartiva is a new synthetic cartilage implant, which mimics the properties of natural cartilage.
The aims of this procedure are to:
This procedure is undertaken on an Outpatient basis.