Hallux rigidus or dorsal bunion is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It usually occurs in young people usually due to repetitive minor trauma or previous injury to toe. It causes swelling, pain and stiffness of the joint. Since this joint is involved in all activities of daily living like walking, climbing or stooping down, it can be quite disabling. Mild to moderate cases of the deformity can be managed with insoles and footwear modifications or local steroid injections. Refractory cases will need minor surgery in the form of removal of the painful bump or correction of the length and alignment of the inner ray of the foot. Severe cases with arthritis of the big toe joint will require fusion of the big toe joint in corrected position to allow for pain-free walking. Read More