The Cluffy Wedge is an extension to a foot orthotic that podiatrists can use on the front of foot orthotics, or it can also be purchased as a standalone pad that is stuck into shoes. The product is designed as one tool that can be used to treat a condition known as functional hallux limitus. Functional hallux limitus is a problem with the range of motion of the big toe joint in the foot, in that the range of motion is normal when the foot is off the ground when being examined but the range of motion appears to be limited when the foot is on the ground. As this limitation of motion is only when walking or weightbearing, it is given the name of ‘functional’. The hallux is another name for the big toe joint. So, this condition is a functional limitation of motion of the hallux or big toe joint. If someone has a functional hallux limitus then this will affect the way the walk and run and make these activities more difficult. There will be compensations at other joints as this joint does not move and this will result in symptoms in those other joints. Functional hallux limitus is claimed to be a risk factor for a lot of the problems that can go wrong with the foot.
To treat this problem, it has to be made easier for that joint to move during gait. As the range of motion of the joint is actually normal, its just not using that range of motion when the foot is on the ground. There are several ways in which that motion of the joint can be facilitated. This is where the Cluffy Wedge comes in. The Cluffy Wedge goes under the big toe to hold the joint in a slightly dorsiflexed position. What this does is it gives a head start to the motion in that joint and goes a long way to facilitating the movement when the foot is on the ground. This wedge is used to treat a range of conditions that result from a functional hallux limitus.