Hallux Limitus - How to Manage/Cure?

tchaten

Barefooters
Aug 10, 2015
17
5
3
36
Milford, NH 03055
I'm 28 years old and as I've been running more I've noticed something that has cursed my left foot for some time. My left foot big toe is quite stiff and can be painful. Searched around and the self diagnosis I'd call it as is Hallux Limitus. My right foot has never had this problem and from the outside would appear the same, but inside there is this stiffness in my left big toe that I'm not sure what to do.

Currently I do some stretches to maintain mobility, but am not sure if its degenerating or stable in its current state. Any advice from docs on what I should do. I run mostly barefoot or in running sandals and during the day wear feet friendly shoes :)

I'm in New Hampshire and not sure if there would be any nearby doctors that I need to visit to have it looked at. Not sure if it is one of those conditions that the sooner I have it checked out the better. Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.
 
There are two ways to look at your problem. Most doctors will look at the toe, some like myself look at your gait. Something I see often is a shortening of the flexor hallicus which controls the toe. Often, combined with this is a shortening of the tibialis posterior muscle. These absorb shock when you spring off the toe. If they are fibrosed, you will lose mobility in the toe in extension.

The toe also can be arthritic however, in my experience, these two muscles are usually the problem. Find a good sports chiropractor who knows ART of another form of fascial release. That, combined with some mobilization in the foot itself is likely your best option.
 
I'm not a medical doc, but I do suffer from classical Hallux Limitus.
The real diagnosis is via radiograph, where a reduction in joint space due to cartilage loss can be seen.
If so, there is no non-surgical cure. Since technically the name just translates to limited movement of the Hallux, maybe at your young age you are fortunate and do not have the true condition. If so then yes, maybe some therapy will help you.
Keep us posted!