After hallux valgus deformity, hallux rigidus is the most common condition of the forefoot. Hallux rigidus (HR) means an articular deformation due to osteoarthritis or the disappearance of cartilage on either side of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first ray. It is an often very painful condition that is most often accompanied by stiff joints and bony beaks called osteophytes that cause painful pressure points in shoes.

In the early stages of osteoarthritis, decompressive surgery such as tenolysis of Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) may have its place. The "chord" effect of the FHL tendon present in functional hallux limitus indeed leads to increased joint stress and is thus a predisposing factor to osteoarthritis and worsening of symptoms. Conservative treatment, however, is rarely indicated because of the pain that can be caused by stretching the tendon. Other surgical solutions are offered for advanced osteoarthritis lesions.