Hallux Limitus

[Muddy Retriever]

I've had discomfort in my big toe joint for a few months now so I decided to get it checked out. My GP got the x-ray results this morning and confirmed that I have early signs of arthritis in there. I plan to go see a podiatrist as I've heard that orthotics can help with the problem.

Does anybody here have any experience or knowledge of this condition? At the moment I would say the discomfort is manageable, it just feels a bit sore after a run. Obviously I don't want to be told that running will make it worse but that is my worry.

[wycoller]

Orthotics will be a major help. My one big toe is virtually locked and the other isn't far behind. Can't wear weillies because my toes won't bend.

I've had this at least 16 years and started running during that time. Running won't help but neither will getting fat!

The root cause is almost certainly that you are flat footed and that the pronation is putting pressure on the toe joint.

My consultant says that it can be operated on and that there are various stages. However he is leaving this as long as possible and seems to be monitoring me on how often I take ibuprofen. Occasional use, after a race for instance, is OK but ongoing use might be the trigger for him to intervene. Not all drs are as runner friendly!

[Muddy Retriever]

Thanks wycoller. I think you're right, I am flat footed. I have an appointment to see a podiatrist tomorrow. Hopefully they can sort me out with some orthotics.

[Ady]

I self diagnosed Hallux Rigidus and took Glucosamine and Ibuprofen for months before seeing the GP and the utilising my employments private health care.
Today I visited a consultant surgeon at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral and following his diagnosis and X rays I am booked in for an operation next Monday to remove bone spurs on the top of both joints to both big toe joints!
There is some degeneration of the joint cartilage but the bone spurs are stopping the joint from bending altogether so I have no choice but see how the joint is after the surgery.
I have a feeling that the pain will still be present but hopefully to a lesser extent. Snowdon race is still on my to do list as my times have come down so well this year!
Watch this space!

[wycoller]

let us know how you get on. Think that I'm not far off the same op, but the physio/podiatrist thinks that some of the swelling is connective tissue not just bone.

[wycoller]

I've seen a physio today who specialises in feet. He applied significant pressure on my big toes along with massage and in 30 mins increased the range of movement significantly. Bit sore now but wish I had seen him years ago. Not a magic answer but we both believe that this will put off surgery for some years.

[Muddy Retriever]

I've seen a physio today who specialises in feet. He applied significant pressure on my big toes along with massage and in 30 mins increased the range of movement significantly. Bit sore now but wish I had seen him years ago. Not a magic answer but we both believe that this will put off surgery for some years.

That's very encouraging wycoller, you must be pleased. I know on this thread and others, you've said that you've suffered with this condition for a long time. Have you noticed a steady deterioration in that time or has it always been around the level it is now?

I saw a podiatrist two weeks ago and have a follow up appointment booked in for Monday. He said that my condition was nearer to Limitus than Rigidus at this stage. Obviously I'd like to keep it that way if at all possible. Apparently even the big toe joint on the other foot (which has not been giving me pain) is affected too.

The podiatrist gave me some orthotic insoles, which he made up there and then. I have to say there has been a definite improvement, although it is a bit sore after a run and the following day.

Good luck to Ady too. Hope all goes well with the op and you're back running again soon.

[wycoller]

My foot problems date to before I started running! It's the flat feet that are the main problem which is hereditary in my family. Yes the toes have got worse but actually less painful. With very limited movement I can now lie in bed on my back which even with just a duvet used to be painful.

The physio treatment has been very succesful so far and I have another two sessions booked this week. Ran a very hilly 7 miles yesterday and my knee hasn't reacted for the first time in 9 months. Mind you its taking quite a bit of time doing stretching, strengthening and massaging each night.

[Ady]

Arrived home today following the operations to both feet. Can't give any comment as yet because of the swelling/soreness/pain etc, but the surgeon stated that prior to removing the bone spurs and taking a look at the joints with the camera etc I had only @10% movement in the left toe joint and NO movemet in the right!
Post op I have 60% movement in both toes (this was when I was manipulated under general anaesthetic and won't be acheivable later) so things should improve greatly. I have to stay off my feet for @4 days then start to walk with crutches and start physio. I'll keep you posted. Very painful post op so I'm kind of glad I've had both feet done together as it would be hard to back and do it a second time.

[Muddy Retriever]

It's good to hear that the early signs are good for the movement you are likely to have back. All the best with your recuperation.