Big toe joint pain when walking

Foot care
1

Hi everyone!

For the past year or so I've suffered pain in my big toe joint (Metatarsophalangeal Joint) when walking. At the start it only happened infrequently and only after long walks. Then it started happening more frequently and during shorter walks; now it can happen at any time.

The pain only occurs when I put pressure on the foot, i.e. when I'm walking, and it goes away after a bit of a rest.

I went to the doctor who looked at my foot and noticed that my toes were bent inwards (from years of buying trainers that were too small when I was younger). He recommnded that I buy some toe separators.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced a similar problem and had success with toe separators? If so, which ones would you recommend? I found some that look good (http://www.happy-toes.eu/), but they're relatively expensive. I don't mind paying the high price if they're good, but if there are cheaper alternatives that will do an equally good job then of course I'll get those!

Cheers for any help.

2

I like your name!

Are you in the UK?  Personally, I would probably go to a Podiatrist and ask advice first.  As soon as I saw the separators that you are speaking of, I thought they would irritate my feet and I wouldn't wear them.  And at 65 Euros, that is an expensive mistake.  I wear separators when I paint my toe nails and they are uncomfortable enough!

We can self refer to our hospital podiatrist if it is a problem of some kind.  They don't, for example, cut toe nails.

 

3

Is your toe in straight alignment (that is not angled towards the little toe)? If so the probability is that you have "hallux rigid us incipient."

it is improbable that a podiatrist will help.

if you wish to wire to me please use the private message facility offered by this website.

4

Hi MrsMop,

Thank you for your reply. I can't take credit for my name and, alas, I was not one of the original Merry Pranksters! I think I'll take your advice about seeing a podiatrist.

5

Hi Jp66967,

Thanks for your reply. My big toe is definitely not straight - it curves towards the little toe. I fear that this misalignment may be the root of the problems. That said, I had a stress fracture (self diagnosed!) in my foot from doing flips on a trampoline a couple of years ago. I can't remember which foot it was, but that may be another avenue of investigation. I imagine a visit to a podiatrist and possibly an X-ray is required. I just hope that something can be done; the prospect of having permanent pain in my toe is a little depressing!

6

There should be no reason why you should have incurable pain in that toe. Have you x-rays? If so perhaps you could send them to me?

7

I don't have X-rays yet, I'm planning to see a podiatrist in the next week or two. If I do get some done I'll be sure to let you know the outcome!

8

JP are you a expert on HR/Hl if so I would be interested in some advice.