Felt Morton’s Extension for Hallux Rigidus

A Morton’s extension is used to help restrict motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, especially in those with hallux rigidus or a painful osteoarthritis of the the joint. The pad should extend under the distal half of the first metatarsal, under the first metatarsophalangeal joint and under the proximal phalanx. It may or may not extend further forward.

The Morton’s extension may be made from self adhesive podiatry felt for a short term trial before using some more permanent material. The felt is cut to size and quickly and easily adhered to the foot or under an insole in the shoe.

(Note: this is more proximal and the ‘Cluffy wedge’ is more distal under just the hallux).