FOOT HEALTH GUIDE
What Is Big Toe Arthritis?
Big toe arthritis, also called hallux rigidus, occurs when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes stiff, painful, and inflamed. This joint — the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) — is essential for walking, running, and climbing stairs.
Over time, the cartilage cushioning joint can wear down, causing bones to move less smoothly against each other. This leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Because the big toe bends with every push-off, arthritis here can make everyday movement uncomfortable.
How common is it?
Around 7–8% of adults over 50 experience symptomatic osteoarthritis in the big toe joint. Interestingly, it often develops without arthritis in other parts of the foot, and while smaller toe joints can be affected, the big toe is most commonly impacted.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Symptom
Stiffness
Limited bending of the big toe, especially when pushing off the ground.
Symptom
Pain
Discomfort during walking, running, or activities that bend the toe upward.
Symptom
Swelling & Bone Spurs
Visible swelling around the joint or a hard bump on top due to bone growth.
What Causes Big Toe Arthritis?
- Aging, which gradually wears down cartilage
- Previous injuries, such as toe fractures or turf toe
- Repetitive stress on the joint
- Genetic factors or foot structure
Even small mechanical changes in the big toe can lead to gradual wear and arthritis over time.
Why the Big Toe Matters for Walking
The big toe joint is critical for the push-off phase of walking and running. When arthritis limits toe bending, the body may shift weight to other areas, altering gait and increasing pressure on other structures.
Arthritis of the Toes Program
If you’re dealing with stiffness, pain or limited movement from big toe arthritis, this guided 8‑week program helps you ease stiffness, improve toe mobility, and rebuild strength and control so you can move with more confidence day‑to‑day.
Across three sessions each week, you’ll work through gentle exercises, mobility drills and focused release techniques designed specifically for arthritis of the toes — helping support your long‑term foot health and walking comfort.
Start the Arthritis of the Toes ProgramReferences
Roddy, E., & Menz, H. B. (2018). Foot osteoarthritis: latest evidence and developments. Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease, 10(4), 91–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/1759720X17753337