Hallux Rigidus
Arthritis of the Big Toe (Hallux Rigidus)
Arthritis of the joint at the base of the big toe is common. This will often cause stiffness, swelling and pain in the joint. This problem may be associated with a bunion deformity or with gout of the joint. The initial management of the problem involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications and possibly the use of a carbon – fibre orthotic to reduce painful jamming of the toe. If non-operative measures fail to give adequate relief of symptoms then surgery is indicated. The surgical staff of our clinic will recommend a procedure that is selected based upon the severity of the arthritis and your particular requirements. The surgical options available include, a cleaning out of the joint or cheilectomy, arthrodesis (fusion or permanent stiffening of the joint) and artificial joint replacement. Our surgeons usually perform this surgery as a day case procedure under a local anaesthetic ankle block and intravenous sedation. Patients are usually able to walk on the operative foot immediately following surgery in a special rigid-soled post-operative shoe.
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