Welcome! Active Alignment has merged with Ortho-Kinetics to expand our service area. While Brad Gibbs remains on as a Pedorthic Consultant, Jen Gulas C. Ped (C) and Patrick Purves C. Ped (C) will be providing pedorthic care in the Cambridge and Oakville locations in addition to the existing Active Alignment locations in Waterloo, New Hamburg, and Stratford. Ortho-Kinetics patients, please click here to learn more.
1st MTP OSTEOARTHRITIS
Characteristics of 1st MTP Osteoarthritis
Hallux Rigidus:
This is a disorder of the big toe joint. Hallux Rigidus causes pain and stiffness in the joint, and with time, it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. Hallux refers to the big toe, while rigidus indicates a rigid motion that cannot move. Typically resulting from degeneration and wear and tear of the joint. Since hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, the motion of the toe decreases as time goes on.
Common causes of Hallux Rigidus are:
- Atypical biomechanics and structural abnormalities of the foot which are often inherited foot mechanics such as over pronation and excessive midfoot collapse.
- Previous injuries: stubbing or jamming the big toe.
- Poor footwear (high heels) and unstable platforms.
- Inflammatory diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Gout.
Hallux Limitus:
Common causes of Hallux Limitus are:
- Atypical biomechanics and structural abnormalities of the foot which are often inherited foot mechanics such as over pronation and excessive midfoot collapse.
- Previous injuries: stubbing or jamming the big toe.
- Shoe change, orthotic intervention, subcutaneous modalities.
Active Alignment Treatment Options:
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Rigid Carbon Foot Plate
- Bunion Night Splint
- Toe Separators
- Footwear Modifications
- Therapeutic Footwear
- Stretching with targeted exercises for intrinsic arch strength including videos