Hallux Rigidus

[minniethemooch]

Have had an osteoarthritis big toe for a couple of years . Sadly, due to various delays in being seen on the NHS , it is now at the stage where they can only offer a fusion - which I really want to avoid .

I have orthotics - paid for them privately whilst waiting for my orthopaedic appointment . I am not in that much pain as long as I wear trainers with a rocker sole . Anyone else manage to avoid surgery with "end stage " toe arthritis ? Also , any tips for slightly more glamorous footwear - I've investigated non trainer footwear but everything looks ugly and frumpy -am I condemned to a lifetime of unattractive shoes ? Sob .

No advice but sympathy. Also watching with interest as I have similar and it IS pretty painful but apparently early stages…

I haven’t been offered anything after the initial xray. Are there other options I should be pushing for?

go and see a private podiatrist, who will assess you/sort orthotics if needed

Make sure they are hcpc registered and ideally have specialism in biomechanics

A podiatrist said I have this but just gave me exercises to do. I've had it for years. Sometimes my toe feels like it gets stuck in the wrong position and I have to painfully wiggle is about to crack it back in place. It's horrible.

I have had this for years and it recently got much worse. Musculoskeletal sent me away with excercises, it got worse and they've referred me to podiatry. Since this I've had a letter saying they can't fit me in yet. All I want is an operation on it and apparently all podiatry do is suggest footwear. I've had enough now.

'not in that much pain'

leave it alone until it's painful enough to justify a fusion.

pain is pretty much the only hard and fast reason to operate on the foot.

in my experience, not much else helps other than advising people to avoid doing the things that hurt.