How is hallux rigidus diagnosed?
How is hallux rigidus diagnosed?
History: pain, stiff, dorsal bunion
Examination: Limited big toe bending, especially on upward movement, bump over the top of the base of the big toe. The physician will try to differentiate if the symptom is arising from the bony bump, or the joint so as to decide the type of surgery if indicated.
X-ray: Narrowing of the MTP joint due to wear of joint cartilage, bony spurs (osteophyte). They are clinically graded into early stage (with the joint still preserved) and late stage (with the joint being obliterated).