Great toe arthritis, also known as hallux limitus and hallux rigidus, is a common condition and the United States. Osteoarthritis of the big toe often creates pain and stiffness as one tries to walk. The stiffness can also feel like jamming of the joint and eventually there may be swelling or enlargement of the joint.

There are many great options available for treating this arthritis, including conservative measures as well as surgical measures. Some of the conservative measures include injections and custom molded prescription orthotics.

There are two types of surgical intervention these include joint spurring and joint destructive. Recently FDA approved and artificial cartilage implant that can be utilized to decrease recovery time. Cartiva is durable and able to withstand loads similar to natural cartilage and can hold up too long periods of stress.

It’s also great alternative to people but don’t want a fusion. Some patients are back to normal activities in as quickly as 4 weeks. If you are looking for a great alternative to fusion or aggressive surgical procedures and have pain and swelling and live in Issaquah, Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland or Maply Valley contact our office to see if Cartiva is right for you. Make an appointment to see us today or call us at or 425-391-8666.