A great paper on Hallux Limits

Don't let the title fool or dissuade you. 

Here is a great paper to support the post earlier this week on hallux limitus. 

Plantar pressure distribution in older people with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (hallux limitus/rigidus)

No surprise that the study found folks with osteoarthritis of the the 1st MPJ had greater maximum force and peak pressures under the hallux as well as the lesser toe than controls. 

BUT here is one of the gems from the study: " However, the plantar pressure changes observed in this study can be explained using the concept of high- and low-gear push off described by Bojson-Moller. This model suggests that there are two metatarsal axes through which propulsion may occur; a transverse axis connecting the first to second metatarsal heads, and an oblique axis connecting the second to fifth metatarsal heads. In the presence of normal first MPJ motion, a ‘‘high-gear’’ push- off occurs through the transverse metatarsal axis, resulting in an efficient transfer of bodyweight. In the presence of restricted first MPJ motion, propulsion through the transverse axis is not possible. Subsequently, a ‘‘low-gear’’ push-off occurs through the oblique axis, which subjects the lateral forefoot and toes to increased loading and results in hyperextension of the interphalangeal joint of the hallux prior to toe-off."

Zammit, G. V., Menz, H. B., Munteanu, S. E. and Landorf, K. B. (2008), Plantar pressure distribution in older people with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (hallux limitus/rigidus). J. Orthop. Res., 26: 1665–1669. doi:10.1002/jor.20700.    

link to FREE FULL TEXT: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jor.20700/epdf