What are the symptoms of hallux rigidus?

Pain may increase when walking, running, squatting, or pushing off through the toes. The joint can feel stiff after rest, and the top of the big-toe joint may become tender where footwear rubs. A bony prominence may make shoes feel tight. As upward movement becomes limited, you may roll onto the outside of the foot or change your stride to avoid the painful push-off. Symptoms can affect one or both feet and may be confused with other causes of toe pain, including an injury such as turf toe.

Choose shoes with enough room at the toes and a sole that does not force the big toe to bend sharply. Reduce activities that repeatedly load the painful joint while keeping comfortable movement. A foot assessment can check joint motion, footwear pressure, and walking mechanics. [Custom Orthotics](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/custom-orthotics/) or a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) may be considered; advanced symptoms may lead to a discussion of [Joint Fusion Surgery](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/joint-fusion-surgery/).

Arrange assessment if stiffness or pain limits walking, exercise, work, or footwear choices, or if the bump becomes persistently irritated. Seek prompt care after a sudden injury, if the toe looks misshapen, or if you cannot bear weight. Marked redness, warmth, swelling, or fever needs urgent review because these findings can have causes other than joint wear.

How much movement remains in the joint? Could my symptoms be hallux rigidus or an injury such as turf toe? Which shoes, activities, or treatments are suitable at this stage?