Hallux Rigidus Exercises

Hallux Rigidus affects the big toe joint, limiting the range of motion and becoming increasingly painful and stiff as the condition deteriorates. The correct footwear, insoles and exercises can significantly improve pain levels and reduce the speed of deterioration seen in those with the condition. Hallux Rigidus is a condition that we regularly see in our clinics, and in this article, we will provide the exercises that we prescribe most often to our clients.

Best Exercises for Hallux Rigidus

The best exercises for Hallux Rigidus should consist of a range of motion exercises for the ankle and big toe joint, stability exercises for the foot and strengthening exercises for the big toe joint. A loss of dorsiflexion of the big toe joint is associated with this condition, so we aim to maintain your current flexibility without irritating the joint; with that in mind, be careful to avoid overstretching or forcing a stretch into the big toe as this has the potential to inflame the area. Improving the stability of the foot reduces the force being applied to the big toe. In addition, the reduced range of the big toe can make its muscular attachments weaker as patients use the big toe less and less subconsciously. Hence, it is essential to strengthening muscles such as the Flexor Hallucis Longus in isolation.