The hallux (big toe) provides propulsive force during gait. Dorsiflexion (or extension) of the hallux is the anatomical movement that accompanies push-off. Toe flexion may describe ‘clawing’ of the toes and is not a movement associated with gait.
A healthy, injury-free hallux possesses between 50 and 90 degrees of extension. A dysfunctional hallux will cause other parts of the body, especially the joints and tissues of the lower extremity, to compensate during walking or running which places increased strain on these structures and may, over time, cause pain and fatigue. Hallux limitus is the term used to describe loss of motion in the hallux.
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