Big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus)
Big toe arthritis, also called hallux rigidus, affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It can affect one or both feet and usually becomes gradually stiffer over time. As the joint surface wears, moving the toe upwards can become painful. A bony bump may also form on top of the joint and rub against shoes.
What is big toe arthritis?
Big toe arthritis, also called hallux rigidus, affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It can affect one or both feet and usually becomes gradually stiffer over time. As the joint surface wears, moving the toe upwards can become painful. A bony bump may also form on top of the joint and rub against shoes.
What causes it?
There may be more than one reason why this develops. Possible causes or contributing factors include:
- Wear and tear within the joint
- Repeated strain through the big toe
- Previous injury
- In many cases, there is no clear cause
What are the symptoms?
Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:
- Pain and stiffness around the big toe joint
- Pain when the toe bends upwards
- A bony bump on top of the joint
- Shoes rubbing against the bump
- Pain when walking or playing sport
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will examine the toe, assess how well it moves and ask how symptoms affect you. An X-ray can show the extent of the arthritis and any bony growth around the joint.
We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through the results, so you understand what they mean for you.
How is it treated?
Treatment aims to reduce pressure through the painful joint, improve comfort and help you remain active. The right option depends on how much movement remains and how advanced the arthritis is. Together, we’ll build a plan around your needs, your recovery and the activities that matter most to you.
The right approach will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, activity level and personal goals.
- Insoles to reduce pressure through the big toe
- Supportive shoes with enough room around the joint
- Stiff or rocker-bottom soles
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine, if advised
- Changes to activities that aggravate symptoms
Your consultant will help you understand which options may be right for you and when your progress should be reviewed.
Recovery goals after treatment for big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus)
Early recovery
Reduce pain and irritation Protect the joint Make footwear more comfortable
As your symptoms improve
Improve comfortable walking Restore or maintain useful movement Increase everyday activity
Returning to full activity
Return to suitable exercise or sport Wear appropriate footwear confidently Manage the joint over the longer term
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Our specialists
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Imaging guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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