All Custom Foot Orthotics Are NOT Created Equal! ™ ☆ HEALTHY FROM THE GROUND UP! ™
Big toe arthritis—often called hallux rigidus or hallux limitus—develops gradually as the joint at the base of the big toe loses its ability to move freely. Because this joint is responsible for absorbing and transferring a large portion of the body’s weight during walking, any restriction in its motion can lead to pain, stiffness, and progressive wear. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or worsening symptoms, especially when they interfere with daily activity.
Big toe arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—the joint that bends each time you push off the ground. Over time, the cartilage that cushions this joint begins to thin, crack, or disappear. As the joint loses lubrication and smooth movement, it becomes swollen, stiff, and painful.
Pain at the top or base of the big toe
Stiffness when bending the toe upward
Difficulty pushing off during walking
Swelling or a bony bump around the joint
Increased discomfort on inclines or during athletic activity
This process typically develops slowly as the joint is repeatedly overloaded or restricted.
The big toe is designed to take the majority of forefoot stress during the final phase of each step. When the arch collapses, the mechanics of this joint change dramatically.
Arch collapse — as the main arch flattens, the foot elongates and the big toe becomes restricted by abnormal ligament tension.
Limited upward motion — the big toe cannot rise properly, forcing the joint into a position it cannot tolerate.
Abnormal loading — instead of gliding smoothly, the joint grinds under pressure.
Cartilage wear — repeated stress causes the cartilage to thin, crack, and lose lubrication.
Inflammation and stiffness — the joint becomes swollen and painful as motion becomes more restricted.
Over time, these forces reinforce the degenerative cycle, making the joint increasingly rigid.
MASS (Maximum Arch Supination Stabilization) posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot closer to its optimal functional position. Instead of supporting the arch in its collapsed state, they help re‑establish full arch height and mobility.
They help by:
Restoring proper arch height, reducing the abnormal ligament tension that restricts big toe motion.
Allowing the big toe to “unlock”, enabling it to rise upward as it should during gait.
Reducing joint compression, which decreases grinding and irritation.
Improving overall foot posture, distributing pressure more evenly across the forefoot.
Supporting natural propulsion, making walking smoother and less painful.
By improving the way the foot loads and moves, MASS posture orthotics address the root biomechanical cause of big toe arthritis—not just the symptoms.
Every foot has a unique combination of arch height, flexibility, and forefoot mobility. Custom calibration ensures the orthotic flexes appropriately for the individual’s structure.
Calibration considers:
Forefoot flexibility — determines how much corrective force the orthotic should apply.
Arch stiffness — influences how much support is needed to restore proper height.
Joint mobility — helps determine how aggressively the orthotic should guide motion.
Weight and activity level — affect how the orthotic should respond under load.
Proper calibration allows the orthotic to work with the foot’s natural motion while still guiding it toward healthier alignment.
People with big toe arthritis commonly report:
Less pain during walking or push‑off
Improved big toe mobility
Reduced swelling or stiffness
Better comfort in shoes
A smoother, more natural gait
Relief from pressure on the top of the joint
Greater stability during daily activities
These improvements come from restoring proper foot posture and reducing abnormal joint stress.
Big toe arthritis tends to progress over time if the underlying mechanics are not addressed. Long‑term considerations include:
Increasing stiffness and reduced range of motion
Development of bone spurs around the joint
Difficulty with athletic activity or long walks
Compensatory pain in the arch, ankle, or knee
Potential need for surgical intervention if degeneration becomes severe
Supporting the arch early—especially with calibrated MASS posture orthotics—helps reduce abnormal joint forces, slow progression, and support healthier long‑term function.