Who do I need to see about my foot?

[Brackhurst]

About 18 months ago I mangled one toe/foot/joint wearing heavy, pretty cheap platform trainers (I know, I know, and I have learned my lesson). It got so that flexing my big toe, either at rest or just the action of walking on it, was ridiculously painful. I chucked the shoes, wore much lighter weight proper trainers very loosely fastened and gradually it came about 95% good again - not perfect but not giving me any actual problems.

Over the last few weeks it’s started kicking off again massively for no obvious reason. I’m going to have to bite the bullet and get some actual help but am unsure whether I need a podiatrist or someone else. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

Not my photo (I bloody hate feet) but this is roughly where it is - top half of the knuckle and lower half of the big toe.

GP first and they can refer you if necessary

Podiatrist.

I vote for podiatrist, they are the ones who look after footballers' feet. And go private if you can afford it, as you'll be waiting forever if you go the NHS route.

Bunion?

@Snowydaysfaraway I don’t think so as there’s no obvious lump or the toe pointing towards the others. The pain is over the top.

Will start looking for a decent local podiatrist. Thanks, all

Sound like arthritis - hallux limititus.

I have it my toe either stiff seized or painful. I can only wear flat shoes as toe cannot bend!

I also have a dorsal bunion (bony spur) on the top of the toe too.

Go to GP and request X-rays including weight bearing as that is what the podiatrist will want so I had to go twice . Get referral to podiatrist and then the podiatric surgeon I had injections of steroids and hylauronic acid. He said he would operate if I wanted it but it improved.

Worse in cold weather

Do you want to see my x ray before I subject you

Are you a runner? Do you do a lot of walking? Regular antiinflammatories , supportive footwear and rest.

Any possibility it could be gout? That will explain the lump and the over the top pain. Your history with the platform sneaker could be unrelated. Typically the pain with gout is very intense. Doctor will be able to tell you.

@cherrypickles shitting hell. I’ve not hit 40 yet! Arthritis hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having said that, it does run in the family. God. Glad the steroid injections have helped. DM has had them and they’ve been a godsend.

Not running atm. I do walk a lot but this bout has come out of nowhere and I can’t tie it to any changes. Very, very keen to avoid rest. I need to be active.

@Spybot don’t think so - DF had it a few times but that’s the only risk factor and there’s no obvious swelling etc.

Oh god sorry! It started when I was 27! From mild injury (foot hit wall
Of swimming pool) then another stub of the toe!

Fingers crossed it isn't!

27! You poor thing. That’s terrible. I think I’ll see what the podiatrist says and see the GP if they think it’s a possibility.

Hi OP, it sounds like Hallux Rigidus to me. I had this about 20 years ago - it's in the exact place you have indicated on your photo. I had a surgical procedure called a cheilectomy. Give it a Google.

Sorry, that wasn't your question! I saw my GP and got referred to a specialist.

@Newgolddream70 that is age they offered me.

How was the op and recovery?

The op went well. They give you an ankle block which feels really weird when you wake up as you can't feel your foot at all. There was quite a bit of swelling and I had to keep my foot elevated (above hip level) for about a week and then I wore an ugly looking foam sandal for a weeks afterwards. I've had no problems with my toe since so it was a very successful outcome for me.

Podiatrist - no need to see go first.