Hallux Limitus
About the Condition
Hallux limitus (Lim-ee-tus) is a condition in which the big toe joint becomes painful and stiff. It is most often due to osteoarthritis of the joint itself. There are various classifications of this condition but in simple terms it can be mild, moderate or severe. The condition usually gets worse with time and is more common in men than women.
Causes of Hallux Limitus
Hallux limitus has many causes which include:
• Injury to the joint
• Infection of the joint
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
There are other cause but the common theme is that injury to the joint occurs from either one single event e.g. dropping a heavy object on to the joint or because of repeated injury e.g. episodes of inflammation which can erode away the cartilage.
Making the Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made from listening to you and understanding your symptoms coupled with careful clinical examination of your foot. An x-ray is usually required to understand exactly how damaged your joint is. For those patients with mild joint disease then a course of injections (Ostenil) can be very helpful. More advanced disease with the presence of an exostoses to the top of the joint usually requires surgery to remove the bump of bone. When the joint damage is very bad then a joint destructive operation is often necessary. These include:
• Joint replacement
• Joint fusion
• Keller type arthroplasty
Documents
001 Making an appointment (2010_M3)
002 C.V. (2010_M3)
002 Preoperative Information for Patients
006 Bones of the foot 2010 M3
Big Toe Joint Arthriis
Big Toe Jont Implant
Keller Arthroplasty
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