Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus: When do we allow Motion and When do we Restrict

I do not like to criticize someone's work, but the article emphasizes joint stiffness in all cases of hallux limitus or rigidus. To me, you want to allow the joint to move as much as it can so it will not freeze up. There are times when you will do something that requires too much painful motion, and then you restrict. It is like nerve pain: sometimes you honor the pain, and sometimes you push through it. I have made 2 pairs of orthotics for some of my patients: one that limits and one that restricts. But, I tend to make an orthotic with dancer's padding that allows freedom of the joint and then have the patient when they need restriction (for example, an upcoming backpacking trip that they know will irritate the joint) slip a flat carbon graphite plate under the orthotic, use spica taping, stiff sole shoes, or a combination that they have found helpful. 

http://lermagazine.com/article/orthotic-management-tactics-for-hallux-limitus#.Wh41INTMSBg.gmail