Dakota Foot and Ankle Clinic

You may have a disorder called Hallux Rigidus. Hallux is referring to the big toe and rigidus means the toe is stiff and unable to move. Hallux Rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis and occurs when there is a wearing out of the cartilage in between the toe joint. It is also a progressive condition. This means that the motion of the toe may decrease over time. During the beginning stages of the disorder it may be called Hallux Limitus because the motion is only slightly limited. As time goes on motion will decrease and the toe will become very stiff and may be called a “frozen joint.” There are other problems that may occur as the toe becomes stiff. Some of the early signs/symptoms are: · There may be some swelling along the toe joint. · You might have difficulty during certain activities. · Your big toe is stiff and painful when trying to use it. · The pain and stiffness is aggravated by cold, damp weather. As the disorder gets worse these symptoms may occur: · Your toe may be pa

1. As we grow older the size of our feet change. It is important to always select shoes by how they fit and feel and not by the size marked inside the shoe. 2. Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to 1/2”) from your longest toe to the end of shoe when you are STANDING UP. 3. Most people have one foot that is bigger than the other. Always fit your shoe to your larger foot. Be sure to try both shoes on and walk in them to make sure they fit and feel right. 4. Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit. They should be comfortable right away. 5. Try on shoes in the afternoon or later part of the day since feet tend to swell and become larger by the end of the day. 6. Bend the front part of the shoe upwards, it should bend in the toe box area. Hold on to the heel and toe box and try to bend the shoe, if the midsole(arch area) bends easily the shoe is excessively flexible and will not offer enough support. Ideally you should not be able to bend the mids