Struggling to Bend Your Big Toe? It Could Be Hallux Rigidus

Is your big toe feeling stiff, sore, or just not moving like it used to?

Maybe it’s harder to walk uphill, or pushing off your toes feels uncomfortable. These small changes can be easy to ignore at first… until the pain starts affecting your daily life.

If that sounds familiar, you could be dealing with a condition called hallux rigidus – a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the big toe.

Let’s take a look at what it is, why it happens, and how the team at Prime Foot Clinic can help you stay mobile and pain-free.

What Is Hallux Rigidus?

Hallux rigidus (which literally means “stiff big toe”) is a type of degenerative arthritis that affects the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint – the joint at the base of your big toe.

This joint plays a big role in walking. Every time you step forward, especially when going uphill or pushing off to take a stride, that joint needs to bend. When it becomes stiff, walking can feel awkward or painful.

Early Signs to Watch For

You might notice:

• Stiffness in the big toe, especially when bending it upwards

• Pain when walking, particularly on inclines or stairs

• Swelling or tenderness around the joint

• A feeling like your toe is “locking” or catching

• Trouble finding shoes that feel comfortable

Sometimes people think it’s just ageing, or assume they’ve stubbed their toe – but if symptoms keep coming back, it’s worth getting it looked at.

What Causes It?

Hallux rigidus is usually caused by wear and tear in the joint, but other factors can contribute too:

• Previous injuries or trauma to the toe

• Structural foot problems, like flat feet or fallen arches

• Family history of arthritis

• Repetitive stress from sports, work, or poor footwear

Over time, the cartilage in the joint wears down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and sometimes the growth of bone spurs.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

The earlier you catch hallux rigidus, the easier it is to slow it down and manage the symptoms. Without treatment, the joint can become more rigid, and bone changes can lead to permanent loss of movement.

This can affect your balance, the way you walk, and even cause pain in other areas like your knees or hips as your body tries to compensate.

How Prime Foot Clinic Can Help

We’ll start with a full assessment of your foot and walking pattern. If hallux rigidus is suspected, we may recommend:

• Footwear advice – shoes with a stiff sole or rocker-bottom can reduce pain

• Custom orthotics – to reduce pressure and improve joint function

• Manual therapy or mobilisation – to help keep the joint moving

• Pain relief options – including anti-inflammatory treatments

• Referral for imaging – to confirm diagnosis and check for bone spurs

• Surgical options – if the condition is severe and conservative care isn’t enough

Our goal is to help you walk more comfortably and keep the condition from progressing.

Don’t Let a Stiff Toe Slow You Down

If you’re struggling to bend your big toe or feel pain every time you take a step, don’t wait for it to get worse. Hallux rigidus is treatable – especially when caught early.

Book with Prime Foot Clinic

We’re here to help in Ramsbottom, Prestwich, and Denton. Whether your symptoms are new or have been bothering you for a while, we’ll work with you to find the right solution.

Click here to book your appointment and let’s get your toes (and your walking) back on track.