MD Podiatrist Discusses How Hallux Disease Leads to Gait Pain

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “A joint commonly subject to these degenerative changes is one that is necessary for normal, proper gait. It is the big toe joint at the base of the big toe in the ball of the foot (the metatarsal-phalangeal joint). This is a unique articulation, functioning with a special axis of motion, distinct from that of any other in the body. Sufficient motion up (listed in the textbooks as sixty degrees) is necessary to walk. When the components involved with this part don’t allow for sufficient motion, gait is affected.”

“Ambulation becomes less propulsive, less powerful, over time. This will also serve to slow one’s walking speed. This limitation also results in stress to the knee joint, hips, and spine. Signs that the big toe joint is moving improperly may include stiffness (which is often not painful), slowed walking speed, even a gradual enlargement of the joint as the metatarsal and toe bones react to the stress by overgrowing,” says Dr. Michaels.