Functional Hallux Limitus (FHL) “Stiff Big Toe”
Running and walking require a sufficient amount of big toe motion. Do you have great toe motion?
The first toe, also known as the great or big toe, plays a crucial role in balance and locomotion. As you push off your big toe comes up (extends). The extension of the great toe pulls your plantar fascia taut, effectively stabilizing the foot. In physical therapy terms, this is known as ‘the windlass mechanism.’
The sooner in the gait cycle that the foot becomes a rigid lever, the greater the power during propulsion. When sufficient range of motion is not available, it can impact your performance with normal gait, recreational running, directional changes, and with activities requiring explosive propulsion such as coming off the line in football or off block the during a race.
Hallux Limitus is the medical term for a stiff big toe. Functional Hallux Limitus (FHL) is a stiff big toe in weight bearing only. Structural Hallus Limitus is a stiff great toe in weight bearing and non-weight bearing.
When the joint between the foot and the toe does not sufficiently extend, it physically blocks you moving the rest of your body forward. Not only will your foot lack the stability required at every push off but structures up the kinetic chain will have to compensate. For example, to get around the joint block, you may point your toes outward by rotating your hip. Your calf muscles will start working sooner than they should, so you are able to push up and over the stiff joint. In addition, your foot may collapse to allow joints in your foot to compensate for the lost motion of the great toe joint. These compensations can lead to stress on other muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Do you have enough toe extension to reach peak performance? Could FHL be impacting your sports and daily activity? Do you want to help prevent future injuries caused by compensation?
If you feel you may have FHL, contact our office today. Our physical therapists can assess your range of motion, gait mechanics, and sports performance and provide you with a program to correct and improve your dysfunction!
