Stiff great toe joint When you have a stiff great toe joint, it is mostly likely due to arthritis. The medical term is called hallux rigidus. The articular cartilage covering the end of the bone erodes due to wear and tear or trauma, which results in stiff and painful motion of the joint. Bone spur can develop on top of the bone preventing full range of motion of the joint when walking. Hallux rigidus commonly develops in adults between the ages of 30 to 60 years. Risk factors for developing hallux rigidus include history of trauma to the area such as a fracture leading to articular damage. Other risk factors include, history of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. The symptoms of hallux rigidus include pain with activity especially during push off. People may also experience swelling around the joint, along with a bump that may develop at the top of the joint. Stiffness may develop at the big toe joint, limiting upward and downward motion of the toe. There are