Condition
Hallux Rigidus Treatment
Non-surgical options for a stiff, painful big-toe joint, with realistic expectations set from your imaging.
About the condition
What hallux rigidus is
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the big-toe joint, especially when pushing off
- A bony bump on top of the joint that rubs in shoes
- Swelling around the joint
- Pain that is worse in cold, damp weather or after activity
Causes and usual care
Wear of the joint over time, an earlier injury such as turf toe, and the shape and mechanics of the foot all contribute. It can also follow inflammatory arthritis, including gout.
Early care includes stiff-soled or rocker-bottom shoes, shoes with room over the bump, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medicine and injections. When pain and stiffness become severe, surgery to trim the bone spur, fuse the joint or replace it is considered.
Regenerative care
Where regenerative care may fit
- Pain and stiffness in the big-toe joint
- People who want to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery
- Patients whose imaging shows cartilage wear in the joint
Not everyone is a candidate. Our physicians evaluate your condition and imaging before recommending any treatment.
When it is not the right answer
A joint with advanced arthritis may be better served by surgery. Your physician will review your imaging and set realistic expectations before recommending any treatment.
Your options
Regenerative options we may use
Where we treat it
Our locations
Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic.
Hallux Rigidus — common questions
Can regenerative medicine help big-toe arthritis?
It is used to help manage joint pain and function for many patients. Your physician will review your imaging and set realistic expectations.
Is hallux rigidus the same as a bunion?
No. A bunion is a change in the alignment of the big toe that makes it lean towards the other toes. Hallux rigidus is arthritis that stiffens the joint; the bump it causes sits on top of the joint rather than on the side.
Do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Our physicians specialize in non-surgical regenerative options and will only recommend surgery when it is truly the right answer.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Your consultation is free, and you will get specific numbers for your own plan before you commit to anything. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call.
Does insurance cover regenerative treatment?
Regenerative treatments — stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, PRP, peptide therapy and BMAC — are not covered by insurance, and we do not bill insurance for them. Many patients use HSA or FSA funds where their plan allows it, and CareCredit and Affirm Pay-in-4 are available at checkout. See financing and our published prices.
Request an evaluation
Request your free consultation
Tell us what's going on and we'll call you back to arrange a time. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic. No referral needed.
Talk to a physician about hallux rigidus.
Speak with a physician specialist about your options — including when regenerative treatment is not the answer.