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Abstract
Hallux rigidus: patient interview and clinical assessment
published in July - August 2019 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.4
Alice Tiberi

Hallux rigidus is an osteoarthritic condition of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint characterized by pain, functional limitation and radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease. It is the most common form of arthritis in the foot and its incidence is increasing with the aging of the general population. Onset of symptoms may be insidious or subsequent to an injury; an arthritic condition may also be present in the patient’s history. Patients’ symptoms are often associated with increasing activities or occupational demands that require patients to extend the first MTP joint. This leads to altered gait mechanics and significant reduction in activity and quality of life for patients. Although no clear cause of hallux rigidus has been identified that is valid for all cases, some conclusions can be drawn based on the association between clinical manifestation, the patient history and radiographic examination.