Arthritis in big toe joints

[Orphanblackfan]

Hi all,

Does anyone suffer with osteoarthritis in the big toe joints (I have it in both)

I wondered what you guys do for pain relief? Naproxen doesn't cut it and I want something to take away as much pain as possible so I can exercise to lose weight which will naturally help with pain relief.

I do swim (which rarely bothers my toes) but would like to do more walking or running but have. Horrid pain for days after when I walk over 5km which is quite disheartening. Any help will be greatly received

Thank you :)

Would ibruprophen gel help you? Ask a pharmacist?

Thank you for your response. Sadly not, I've tried them too 😞

It's often the first joint to develop arthritis. I now have hip arthritis and am learning to manage it, as I'm too young for surgery for a while.

I would rather manage the activity than take medication, as it's a lifelong condition. So I now modify the exercise I do and I'm still pretty active, just not grindy stuff.

Talk to the pharmacist, try different shoes and buy decent socks too.

Have you been referred for x-rays to see what changes there are to the joints? A steroid injection would give you some relief but only temporarily. I feel for you, arthritic pain is hellish, especially in your feet.

I had X-rays about two years ago to confirm oa.

It absolutely sucks. Shoes are a pain to find. No nice heels. Hard to find decent shoe shops etc, everything rubs on the bone as it sticks up now (right foot worse) to the point that new shoes always give me blisters on top of the arthritis while I wear them in.

I'm more interested in pain relief mostly. I've read mixed reviews on steroids. Some say great, others say never again, others say didn't last long, others say having it done is excruciating 😖
Has anyone had the steroids?

I was diagnosed at 33 and am desperate to get control over this awful awful pain. It really sucks. I can't explain the pain let alone the knock on knock pain (cramps, stabbing, aching, bruised).

I have read up on the ops which are tempting but am likely to either never have any movement in my toes again, or recurrent operations. Is there a big toe joint replacement op yet?

Thank you for any help!!!

I get the steroid injections in my fingers which helps for a short while so it might be worth a shot in your toes. I've got it in my feet now which is very painful if I walk for any length of time but I only take paracetamol when I absolutely need it and have just learned to put up with it and get on everyone's nerves by moaning a lot.

OP I would suggest seeing your GP and asking for a referral to your hospitals pain clinic. I have osteoarthritis in my ankle from injury and have a pain clinic referral next month.

How long does it last? How often can you have it? Is the pain completely gone for the duration? Does it hurt? How many times do the inject the joint per session?

Sorry for all the questions. And thank you!!

MuddyFW. What does the pain clinic offer?

I'm also finding my ankles really ache as I roll onto the outside of my foot to alleviate pain but am worried I'm causing damage to my ankles - I really don't want anymore arthritis!!!!

I have this in one big toe but as the joint has gradually fused up more the pain has diminished as the toe can’t move much. I went through a period when it hurt much more and made me limp. I can still run etc but my days wearing stillettoes are over

You still run??? Wow!! There is hope yet. Do you run properly as in bending toes or have you adapted your technique? I feel too much running will give me the dreaded shin splints. Do your ankles hurt?

In the gym cycling or the elliptical machine don’t put as much pressure on the joint as walking or running. Or pilates?

I have this in one toe joint, with a bony growth just on the top of the joint. I couldn’t wear any lower cut shoes as they rubbed horribly and the whole thing was generally painful all day long
After messing about with orthotics and steroid injections, I ended up seeing an orthopaedic surgeon who, as he politely put it ‘took a hammer and chisel to it’.
It’s been so much better - I can wear most shoes, as long as the heels aren’t too high. It’s still a bit painful and stiff sometimes, but nothing compared to how it was. The surgeon said that if got worse he could do another operation to fuse the joint, but so far that hasn’t proved necessary.

Pilates - do they concentrate much on toe joints? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I've never done Pilates before

Virginiaplain.....what op was it called?

Sorry, should have said I do get the pain in my toe joint, so much sympathy. It does suck.

I'm banned from running...impact isn't great for arthritic joints. Pilates will be great as strong muscles support unstable joints.

You're right to worry about your biomechanics. Do try adapting your activities. Better for you in the long run, tho I would definitely follow the suggestions above re pain control & investigations.

It’s called a cheilectomy. Done as a day case under general anaesthetic- surgeon said I didn’t want to be awake to hear it - and then just a few days off work.

I have difficulties in both toes. Had a chilectomy op 2 years ago which has eased the worse one but eventually will need another op to permanently fuse the joint - putting that off for as long as possible!
I can only wear 'sensible' shoes and have lots of aches and shooting pains especially after lots of walking. I have not run in many years. There's a good Facebook group Hallux Rigidus Support Group for info and advice.

and then just a few days off work.

.... I had 6 weeks off!!

Ask to be referred to podiatry - I have it in most of my toes, I have special insoles which really really help - I miss my flip flops though!
If it's affecting other joints though you should see a rheumatologist about medication that can slow down the progress...

Have you seen a podiatrist? They can assess the way you stand/walk and make insoles if necessary. Sometimes this can put less pressure on the joints and help.

I use magnesium bath salts with varying success - but they are worth a try as they are not harmful. Hot water bottle/ice although appreciate it is tricky joint.
As for problems with ankle seeing a physio may help, as often with joint issues stretches and strengthening exercises can help to support the area and relieve pain

Thanks guys. I think a GP appointment and referral is long overdue.

I shall book one and let you know how I get on.

All good advice!! I think prevention is better than cure with regards to my ankles etc. I will get onto it rather than wait.

Thank you 🙏🏻

Both big toes (along with my thumbs) - so far I’m coping by adapting my shoes. I had shoes made for me.... they seem to be helping- well, they are comfy anyway.
I’m also losing weight, as I realise anybextra will make it worse.