Hallux Rigidus, self-manage or clinical interventions

ChrisG9
ChrisG9 Member Posts: 18
edited 5. Sep 2024, 13:05 in Living with arthritis

Hello

I've got quite severe Hallux Rigidus in my right foot, with a couple of bone spurs at the bottom of the toes. After many years running, I am now limited to walking which is uncomfortable even in shoes that have specialised insoles made by my local hospital.


For the last year, I have attempted to self-manage the pain by adapting what I do, epsom salt baths, upping the turmeric etc, yet now at a point where I am considering more clinical interventions. I have been pondering if this would help with my symptoms, yet don't want to make my situation worse, increase the pain and lesson my mobility.


I guess I'm asking if anyone has been in this situation, what made them decide to go down the clinical route and if this helped matters.

Thanks


Chris

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,835

    Hello @ChrisG9

    I can quite understand your need to get as informed as possible before making any decisions about your Hallux Rigidus.

    I hope this helps I've done a quick search for you with all the threads on the condition:

    Best of luck and please if you don't mind posting to let us know how you get on it might help someone else in your position in the future.

    Ellen.

  • Hi I've got a similar problem and the doctor has suggested surgery,hope you get help soon

  • Hi have you looked at wide fit trainers at all ,my podiatrist suggested them but not sure where to find them

  • Hazy
    Hazy Member Posts: 7

    If you decide to go down the surgery route, I would recommend asking for a joint replacement, if suitable for you, and not fusion. Especially if you're used to being active.

    I had my big toe fused last year and wish I'd had a joint put in, instead.

    (I was similar to you, running then having to give up etc…)

    The fused joint reduces the range of movement and stride you're able to take.

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,835

    Just a quick welcome to @Hazy on behalf of the moderating team.

    It's great to have you on board and always lovely when a new member's first post is to help someone else.

    I hope you'll find the forum useful for yourself too.

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • ChrisG9
    ChrisG9 Member Posts: 18

    Yes, I have some wide easy to put on trainers with hospital made insoles 😊

  • ChrisG9
    ChrisG9 Member Posts: 18

    Thanks Hazy, are you given an option when seeing the consultant?

  • Hazy
    Hazy Member Posts: 7

    I think it will depend on which part of the country you are in. I'm Somerset and was given a choice of private hospital or NHS. I chose private, purely for ease of travel and parking. The consultant asked if I wanted fused or joint. I was expecting to just be offered fused, so had that in my mind before I went in. STUPIDLY, I thought, "I dont want to cost the NHS extra money. Mum had the same fusion and she was fine." (Big difference between me and mum was, she's not a person that walks far and I do on average 15,000 - 20,000 steps 5x days a week. So didn't think it through properly)

    I really wish I'd had a joint put in.

    If I were you, whoever you end up seeing, ask for a joint and highlight how active you are and need to continue to be.

    I really hope you have success going forward

  • ChrisG9
    ChrisG9 Member Posts: 18

    Thanks for your advice and support.

    I decided to pursue a clinical route and after seeing a consultant, I'm hopefully having toe fusion at the end of October