Hallux Limitus / Rigidus at
Foot Foundation
Hallux limitus is a condition where movement at the big toe joint is reduced, while hallux rigidus is the advanced stage where the joint becomes stiff or even fused. Both are forms of arthritis in the big toe joint and are a frequent cause of forefoot pain, swelling, and restricted push-off when walking.
Because the big toe joint is vital for propulsion, stiffness here often leads to altered biomechanics, secondary pain under the ball of the foot, and strain elsewhere in the foot.
At Foot Foundation, we provide expert diagnosis and tailored treatment designed to preserve motion where possible, relieve pain, and restore function.
What is Hallux Limitus / Rigidus?
Hallux limitus refers to reduced motion at the big toe joint (first metatarsophalangeal joint), while hallux rigidus is the advanced stage where the joint becomes stiff or fused. Both conditions are forms of arthritis of the big toe joint and are a common cause of forefoot pain and restricted push-off in gait.
The big toe joint plays a critical role in propulsion. Loss of motion leads to altered biomechanics, secondary forefoot overload, and gait compensation, often contributing to metatarsalgia or midfoot strain.
At Foot Foundation, we provide specialist diagnosis and treatment, aiming to preserve motion, relieve pain, and restore function.
Causes & Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis – degenerative cartilage wear and joint narrowing
Previous trauma – stubbing, turf toe, or fractures leading to post-traumatic arthritis
Repetitive overload – especially in runners, footballers, and dancers
Biomechanical factors – long or elevated first metatarsal, hallux valgus, flat feet, cavus feet
Systemic arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis
Genetic predisposition – family history of early big toe arthritis
Footwear factors – restrictive shoes increasing dorsal impingement
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Custom orthotics – offload the big toe joint and redistribute load to reduce pain
Footwear prescription – stiff-soled or rocker shoes to minimise joint motion
Padding or carbon fibre inserts – limit painful dorsiflexion during gait
Exercise therapy – calf stretching, intrinsic strengthening, mobility strategies where some motion is preserved
Manual therapy and mobilisation – to maintain motion in early hallux limitus
Shockwave therapy – for associated soft tissue pain
Pain management – activity modification, pacing, and offloading techniques
Referral – for medical or surgical input where conservative care is insufficient
Surgical options (via orthopaedic referral):
Cheilectomy – removal of dorsal osteophytes to restore motion in early limitus
Osteotomy – realignment procedure in select cases
Fusion (arthrodesis) – gold standard for severe rigidus
Joint replacement – considered in some cases, but less durable than fusion
Symptoms
Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint, especially during push-off
Reduced range of motion, particularly dorsiflexion
Swelling, tenderness, or bony enlargement around the joint
Difficulty with activities requiring toe bend such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs
Hard bump on top of the joint, known as a dorsal osteophyte
Secondary pain under the ball of the foot, also called transfer metatarsalgia
In severe cases: near-total loss of motion, known as hallux rigidus
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – range of motion, joint tenderness, crepitus, osteophytes
Biomechanical analysis – gait, foot type, loading pattern, compensations
Imaging:
X-ray – confirms arthritis, joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis
MRI – when soft tissue contribution or early arthritis is suspected
Ultrasound – to evaluate synovitis or joint effusion
Hallux Limitus / Rigidus – FAQs
Hallux limitus means partial loss of motion, while hallux rigidus is the advanced stage with near or complete stiffness due to arthritis.
The main cause is arthritis of the big toe joint, either from natural wear (osteoarthritis), trauma, or systemic inflammatory conditions.
Pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty bending the big toe during walking or running are common. A bony bump on top of the joint is often present.
Yes. Orthotics with first ray cut-outs, stiffening plates, or rocker soles can offload the joint and reduce pain.
Supportive shoes with stiff soles, rockers, and wide toe boxes are recommended. Minimalist shoes or high heels should be avoided.
Yes, in early stages. Stretching, strengthening, and joint mobilisation may maintain some motion. In rigidus, exercises focus on compensatory strength and flexibility.
No. Many patients respond to conservative care. Surgery is reserved for severe pain, deformity, or total loss of motion unresponsive to podiatry management.
It is a surgical procedure where bone spurs (osteophytes) on top of the joint are removed, restoring some movement in early disease.
Fusion (arthrodesis) of the first MTP joint is the most reliable option for severe cases, eliminating pain and providing stability.
If you have persistent big toe joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or footwear difficulty, early assessment is recommended. Conservative management is most effective in the early stages.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist care for hallux limitus and rigidus, integrating podiatry and physiotherapy expertise. We combine orthotics, footwear optimisation, mobilisation, and shockwave therapy to manage symptoms and delay progression. Where surgery is required, we coordinate referral and post-operative rehabilitation.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert forefoot arthritis care is available across New Zealand.
