Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe & Bunionette Problems:
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Hallux Rigidus Treatment [Exercises, Inserts and Surgery?]
Hallux Rigidus Treatment is possible without surgery! Exercises don’t work great, but sometimes the right shoe and inserts make most pain DISAPPEAR!
Look:
- Big toe joint pain can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if possible.
So, let’s GO!
Table of Contents
Big Toe Joint Arthritis & Hallux Rigidus Picture Gallery:
Look:
- Do you have a stiff big toe? This might mean that there is arthritis developing within your big toe joint.
- If you have a slight decrease in motion, this is called hallux limitus.
- If the big toe joint does not bend at all, this is called hallux rigidus.
- This does mean that there is destruction of your cartilage within the joint.
- As the joint keeps getting more and more damaged, it starts to develop a very large spur on the big toe joint.
- It is possible to also have a bunion in the big toe joint arthritis.
- It is possible to have sesamoiditis and big toe joint arthritis.
- It is possible to have a turf toe and big toe joint arthritis, although little bit less likely.
So, click on the gallery to see a description & full size photos!
Click on pictures for full size & descriptions:
Causes of Big Toe Joint Pain:
- A bunion is the beginning of the dislocation of the big toe joint.
- The official term is subluxation, this is when the first metatarsal phalangeal joint starts to come out of the joint.
- This usually means the big toe joint is starting to point towards the second toe, this forces the second toe to rise over the big toe if it gets bad enough.
- This can contribute to forming a second toe hammer toe, as well as making the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes spread towards the outside of the foot.
- You can also develop a bunion to your fifth toe, this is called a tailor’s bunion, or a tailor’s bunionette.
- A turf toe injury is the hyperextension of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint, also known as a big toe joint sprain.
- There are many tendons and ligaments and bones on the bottom of your big toe joint.
- If you strain the tendons and ligaments, these can take many weeks or many months to heal.
- If you ever watch professional football, or soccer, this is a very common sports injury when the big toe plants into the ground and all your body weight transfers over.
- There are two bones underneath your big toe joint called your sesamoids bones. These are the tibial sesamoid and the fibular sesamoid.
- If the big toe joint becomes disrupted, such as in a bunion these can become dislocated sesamoids.
- In sports such as basketball where there is a lot of pressure put on the big toe joint, this can lead to inflammation of the sesamoid bones. This is called the sesamoiditis.
- If your sesamoiditis gets really bad, it is also possible to get a broken sesamoid, or sesamoid fracture.
- It can be a good idea to see a podiatrist if you do have a broken or fractured sesamoid bone.
Big Toe Joint Arthritis (AKA Hallux Rigidus):
- Arthritis means that the cartilage is missing from your joint, this then prevents normal joint motion. Eventually as the damage keeps getting worse, the bone starts to crack, cause severe pain and eventually develop bone spurs and uneven bone at the site.
- In your big toe joint when you start to lose some motion, this is called hallux limitus. Eventually this starts to lose complete motion and this is now called hallux rigidus. This means that your big toe joint is rigid and unable to move.
- There are four stages to hallux rigidus,progressing from no arthritis to complete fused arthritis.
- Hallux rigidus and big toe joint arthritis essentially mean the same thing.
- This is a very common problem that we see especially in people who are on their feet all day, or have broken their toe in the past.
- Flat feet can be caused by many different things, and flat feet result in many different problems.
- The more your foot flattens, the more abnormal pressure is put onto your big toe joint. This can lead to abnormal pressure causing a dislocation also known as a bunion, or jamming of the cartilage which can lead to big toe joint arthritis or hallux rigidus.
- Flat fee are very complicated topic, as you can have a bunion in a high arched foot as well, but generally it is the act of over pronation that causes your big toe joint to receive pressure and become agitated.
- Controlling flat fee with more support has more pros than cons for sure.
Hallux Rigidus Symptoms:
- Pain at the base of the big toe during walking.
- A giant callus develops on the inside of the big toe joint.
- Stiffness in the MTP joint.
- Swelling and inflammation may be present.
- As the condition progresses the patient may experience:
- A considerable loss of motion in the MTP joint.
- Pain even when resting.
- Pain on touching the top of the joint.
- Additional growths of bone may be felt here.
- A limp.
- Pains in the lower back, hips, or knees due to changes to walking patterns.
What is Hallux Rigidus?
The Hallux is the Latin word for the big toe and rigidus literally means rigid or stiff. The big toe is important in walking and running as it dorsiflexes (bends back) during the push-off phase of the gait cycle.
In Hallux Rigidus, the movement in the joint at the base of the big toe (the metatarso-phalangeal or MTP joint) gradually decreases. Initially the term Hallux Limitus is often used and the term rigidus is used in the later stages as movement becomes considerably reduced. It is a form of degenerative arthritis although is often initially confused with a bunion.
The condition can cause lots of further problems, especially with walking, as we require at least 60 degrees of dorsiflexion at the MTP joint for a ‘normal’ walking pattern. If this is not available, compensations are made elsewhere, for example the ankle, knee and pelvis.
Hallux Rigidus Causes:
- Hallux rigidus can be caused by either a truamatic injury, or through overuse.
- Overpronation – increases the stress on the joint.
- Repetitive weight bearing in a dorsiflexed position.
- Traumatic injury such as stubbing the big toe which can cause chondral (cartilage) damage.
- Hypermobile 1st metatarsal.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gout.
Big Toe Joint Home Treatment Infographic:
Hallux Rigidus Home Treatment:
- X-rays may display degeneration and excess bone growth at the MTP joint.
- Treatment is usually conservative, starting with a period of relative rest.
- Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescibed, or a Corticosteroid injection may be administered.
- Any contributing biomechanical factors such as overpronation should be corrected.
- Physical therapy may be employed to try to increase the range of motion at the joint using mobilisations.
- In extreme cases surgery may be required to remove the bony growth on top of the joint, or even a total arthroplasty (joint replacement) may be used.
Inflammation Control:
- Icing is the single best thing you can do at home.
- This is done for 20 minutes at a time and is safe.
Massage & Ice Products:
- This can reduce the soreness in the arch surrounding the area.
- It is not the most effective treatment for the big toe joint.
- Stick to mostly a icing the big toe joint.
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
$49.99
$6.99
$13.49
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Price:
$49.99
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
$6.99
Overview:
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Pros:
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
Important Tips:
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
$13.49
Overview:
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Menthol Based Gels:
- Biofreeze is one of our favorites.
- These gels have been studied to work 2x as long as ice.
- These can work well on the big toe joint.
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$28.75
$30.74
Price not available
$24.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
$28.75
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$30.74
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$24.99
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Removing The Stress:
- The key is to prevent future pain.
Get Great Shoes:
- Properly measure yourself for your shoe using a Brannock Device at a athletic shoe store.
- Or watch out shoe fitting video.
- Getting some extra depth shoes and skip lacing should be enough to avoid putting pressure on the bump.
- Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from your midfoot and top of the foot (big toe joint).
- This is especially important if you have plantar fasciitis or any other type of heel injury.
- Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for best pain relief!
- The following link will show you what our favorites are.
Get Great Orthotics:
- These are our recommended orthotics.
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$14.90
$38.95
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
$14.90
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Price:
$38.95
Overview:
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
- This takes a lot of pressure off the front of your foot by making your ankle more flexible.
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$32.95
$15.99
$59.58
$59.95
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Price:
$32.95
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Price:
$15.99
Overview:
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Pros:
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Cons:
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Important Tips:
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Price:
$59.58
Overview:
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Pros:
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Cons:
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
Important Tips:
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$59.95
Overview:
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Get A Great Static Stretch:
- These devices are great for stretching while you are resting.
- This can make your ankle more flexible and take pressure off the ball of your foot.
Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Most Cost Effective Night Splint (Not Best for Sleeping).
Best Actual Night Splint (For Night Time Use)
Best Price & Light Support Night Splint
Price:
$29.99
$57.44
Price not available
Overview:
Hard Night Splint -** Use it before going to bed for 20-30 minutes**
Best & most comfortable splint for actual night time use.
Top of the foot softer & more gentle splint.
Pros:
This is an amazing device with the highest amazon rating. Has 2 great foot wedges that bend your big toe up and lock your foot in. Great at what it does.
This has excellent reviews(better than the hard splint), less foot numbness and soreness in the ball of your foot. Very soft and comfortable.
Most people can tolerate this one during the night, but only because it stretches you less! That might be a good thing if you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours at night.
Cons:
Hard to use at while sleeping, so don’t use it that way! Easy to use it incorrectly if you don’t use the foot wedges correctly. Your big toe should be angled up to lock your foot in.
It actually stretches you less (that’s why you are able to wear it all night). It is more expensive.
Basically it is more tolerable because it is weaker. This less results in more time.
Important Tips:
**Must use the foot wedge in the front to angle your toes up. This locks your foot from twisting out rather than stretching through the Achilles tendon – This is the KEY!**
If you prefer to actually wear it at night then this is the BEST option. It does work, but this is for those with very little time and can fall asleep in it!
This is meant only for sleeping because to get results you need to wear it a lot longer than the other braces. Use it only if you are very sensitive.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Most Cost Effective Night Splint (Not Best for Sleeping).
Price:
$29.99
Overview:
Hard Night Splint -** Use it before going to bed for 20-30 minutes**
Pros:
This is an amazing device with the highest amazon rating. Has 2 great foot wedges that bend your big toe up and lock your foot in. Great at what it does.
Cons:
Hard to use at while sleeping, so don’t use it that way! Easy to use it incorrectly if you don’t use the foot wedges correctly. Your big toe should be angled up to lock your foot in.
Important Tips:
**Must use the foot wedge in the front to angle your toes up. This locks your foot from twisting out rather than stretching through the Achilles tendon – This is the KEY!**
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Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Best Actual Night Splint (For Night Time Use)
Price:
$57.44
Overview:
Best & most comfortable splint for actual night time use.
Pros:
This has excellent reviews(better than the hard splint), less foot numbness and soreness in the ball of your foot. Very soft and comfortable.
Cons:
It actually stretches you less (that’s why you are able to wear it all night). It is more expensive.
Important Tips:
If you prefer to actually wear it at night then this is the BEST option. It does work, but this is for those with very little time and can fall asleep in it!
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Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Best Price & Light Support Night Splint
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Top of the foot softer & more gentle splint.
Pros:
Most people can tolerate this one during the night, but only because it stretches you less! That might be a good thing if you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours at night.
Cons:
Basically it is more tolerable because it is weaker. This less results in more time.
Important Tips:
This is meant only for sleeping because to get results you need to wear it a lot longer than the other braces. Use it only if you are very sensitive.
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Hallux Rigidus Exercises:
- Hallux rigidus exercises are out there, but to be honest, they will not do anything for you.
- The entire problem with hallux rigidus is that is a bone deformity, not a muscle or ligament problem.
- Hallux rigidus by definition is bone that is almost fused together.
- Short of breaking apart this bone and giving it some room to move, exercises will not do much for you.
- With that said, hallux rigidus can definitely feel better without just jumping straight to surgery, but this means orthotics and good shoes!
Hallux Rigidus Surgery:
- Hallux rigidus surgery is something known as a cheilectomy.
- Hallux rigidus surgery is one of the beneficial and quickest recovery big toe surgeries available.
- The surgery is as simple as simply going into the top of the joint and shaving out the spur.
- With the spur shaved out, the joint can now bend better.
The red portion in this picture is removed in hallux rigidus surgery. This is a very effective surgery with a quicker healing time, the downside is that it takes longer to heal this.
Hallux Rigidus Surgery Recovery Time:
- Hallux rigidus surgery recovery time is usually much quicker than most bunion and big toe surgeries.
- Sutures generally stay in for 2-3 weeks.
- You are able to go back to a good supportive running shoe in approximately 2 weeks.
- Once you are back in a normal pair of shoes it can still ache for a few more weeks, and you will definitely know it as a month or two go by.
- As 1-2 months start to pass you will ideally feel much better than before you have the spur removed and corrected.
Here a big toe spur is visualized intra-operatively. This bump is shaved down intra-operatively with specialized equipment. This then shaved and smoothed until the joint can move normally.
This is a different patient, but the joint looks much more smooth with much better surface alignment of the big toe joint. When the big toe moves up and down it now has an increased range of motion.
Hallux Rigidus Implant Surgery Options:
- There are two real options for implant surgery.
- There is a synthetic filler that is implanted into the joint.
- There are also big metal implants that can be implanted into the joint.
- These can work well for some people, but when they don’t work, things can go really bad.
- The problem with these implants are that you have a foreign substance that is rubbing for years, in many patients this can destroy large chunks of bone and create a very large deficit to this area.
- If you want a quicker recovery – go with the cheilectomy.
- If you want a more permanent one and done surgery, go with the big toe joint fusion.
Big Toe Joint Fusion:
- A strong option for hallux rigidus surgery, but with a longer healing time is a big toe joint fusion.
- A big toe joint fusion is a longer healing procedure, but the benefit is that it is much more permanent and very unlikely to reoccur in the future.
- This is the recommended surgery to permanently take care of your big toe joint pain.
And don’t forget… GREAT shoes:
Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe & Bunionette Problems:
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