I’ve had it for years and it is getting worse. Only hurts when I take my foot out of cycling shoes. It’s frozen and I can bend the big toe, when I do with my hands it cracks then feels better after 2 miles or so. I’ve read through some old threads, but didn’t see anything about orthotics for this type of injury. I am wondering if anyone has had success with new orthotics or adjustments to old orthotics? I’ve tried using lifts under the big toe and cutting out holes, nothing works. Thank you.
The idea behind an orthotic is to limit the motion of the arthritic joint. Actually, you may not need an orthotic at all, just a stiff “plate” under the 1st ray (from the end of the big toe to about 1 inch past the sesamoids). But, occasionally other modifications to an actual orthotic may help if there is a reason for your DJD of the great toe joint (i.e. compensated rearfoot varus, etc.)
You probably don’t have much pain in a stiff cycling shoe for this very reason. But, getting on/off or stairs, etc. - ouch!
Thanks. I was hoping you would see my cry for help. It only hurts when i take my foot out of the cycling shoe, not while cycling. When I take my foot out of my shoe and bend my toe it cracks and then feels better. So, i was guessing that it hurts because it is too stiff, the opposite of what you said. If I loosen my cycling shoes and wiggle my toes a lot this helps, but not very efficient in terms of power. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Sounds like pretty typical hallux rigidus. You probably have a joint mouse floating around from the dorsal spur that has broken off. Have you had an X-ray of the joint? Is there a palpable bony bump on top or near the side of your great toe joint and is this tender if push around on it?
Can I assume you are only a cyclist and not a runner?
yes, its is tender to touch the knuckle of my big toe, very slightly to the side of my middle toe.
sorry , not hte middle toe, the big toe knuckle, just wanted to clarify
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No need to clarify there - that is the hallmark location for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the 1st MPJ (i.e. Hallux rigidus).
Really should be evaluated via X-ray. If you have a joint mouse, this can cause further degeneration of the joint. For now, NOT bending the joint will keep your pain at a minimum. Unfortunately, the great toe joint is a pretty important joint for walking and REALLY important for running. Swim/Bike - no problem!
rroof
are you a podiatrist or in sports medicine? i would be interested to know if there were more pods involved in tri’s and what you have noticed has helped with your patients?