Reader Mike writes“I was recently diagnosed with functional hallux limitus after developing a strong interest in hiking (and having never done any other long distance running, or walking type things before that) Do you have any recommendations for a good hiking boot/shoe? I’m currently using Montrail CTC.”
Hallux limitus is a condition whereby the big toe joint becomes restricted during weight bearing but is otherwise healthy, hence the name functional. In this condition you still have cartilage with little to no arthritis in the joint. Pain arises with excessive flexion of the great toe or while standing due to pronation and rolling onto the big toe joint, causing restricted motion.
In Hallux rigidus, the great toe joint becomes arthritic with associated cartilage loss, resulting in bone on bone motion which is very painful. This is a structural problem usually requiring surgery to correct.
In hallux rigidus, you want to stop motion, in hallux limitus you want to reduce motion. For both conditions an inflexible or stiff soled shoe is usually best which fortunately most hiking boots have. I have several patients with hallux rigidus, who I have wear only hiking boots becuase this eliminates the pain. For my hallux limitus patients I can usually stop the pain by getting them into shoes that are primarily inflexible in the forefoot. Montrail CTC is a classic example of this. Custom orthotics can also help since they improve big toe joint function.
For even more information about hallux limitus read my other post http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/shoe-design-for-hallux-limitus-ie-turf-toe-non-bunion-pain/ which talks about sole design.
5 responses so far ↓
Steve // December 8, 2008 at 6:21 PM |
Greetings, I love your blog. So I have been diagnosed with Hallux Rigidus. I stumbled on a hiking shoe with very stiff soles Asolo’s, which gave me immediate relief from severe pain. My problem is I need business shoes and hav been unable to find a men’s dress shoe with a similarly stiff sole. If you knew of one it would be very helpful as a few minutes in a standard dress shoe is agony for me.
Best
Steve
Jim // December 20, 2008 at 7:56 AM |
I have Hallux Rigidus and have been wearing Dansko shoes to work. They have the rocker bottoms which help a lot, but are not perfect so I am looking for something else to try. I’ve found another brand call Sanita and looking at Merrell Orion. Good luck! Jim
Georgiann // December 28, 2008 at 12:09 PM |
Please help me find the right shoe for the condition of hallux rigidus. It is in my right foot. I can’t wear normal shoes except tennis shoes for a short time.
Lizzie // January 17, 2009 at 12:56 AM |
I have Hallux Rigidus in my left big toe and I live in England where Dansko shoes are not sold. After a lot of research I discovered that MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes give a quite a bit of relief. They take a little bit of getting used to and you have to have them properly fitted in the shop, otherwise you can waste a lot of money if you get the wrong size, but they do have some styles which would work for going to work, as well as trainer styles.
I also like ot do hill walking and trail hiking and I am looking for ideal boots.
Peter // February 20, 2009 at 5:16 PM |
I am very happy with Naot sandals. I have hallux rigidius and i wear these whenever I can, particularly around the house.