A fundamental feature of the foot is mobility of the first toe, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.
The first MTP joint should be able to extend as much as 65 degrees, but many people lack full range of motion due to osteoarthritis or injury .
Limited MTP dorsiflexion may not stop our clients from running around, but the lack of big-toe mobility means the body is forced to compensate further up the kinetic chain. By altering the foot’s natural movement patterns, limited MTP dorsiflexion can lead to knee or hip pain and an unstable gait.
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