The rigid big toe is manifested by pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe while walking, when the heel rises above the ground and the foot prepares to take off. Pain often makes it impossible to fully climb on toes or wear high-heeled shoes. The bone conflict results from the presence of degenerative changes that limit the passive dorsiflexion of the big toe. X-ray images show a narrowing of the joint space and the presence of bone spurs (osteophytes).