Foot Pain

[flettotenko]

@ksnideman

I’ve had Big Toe problems ever since high school when I got “turf toe” on both of my big toe (1st Metatarsal-Phalangeal) joints.

Now at 35, I have arthritis in both big toes (especially the left) and am seriously worried about my future as a masters sprinter. I wear specially made orthotics (which help a little) and have had cortisone injections when the pain gets too severe. Daily self mobilizations and occasional Chiropractic adjustments help a little but don’t seem to restore the lost range or elimate the pain and stiffneess.

What’s really lame, is the compensations that occur up the kinetic chain when the first toe (hallux) doesn’t move enough into dorsiflexion. The actualy diagnosis is called Hallicus Limitus and over time progresses to Hallicus Rigidus. Eventually, surgery may be an option for some.

Does anyone have any miracle cures for this problem? I’ve investigated this condition pretty extensively and the long term prognosis seems pretty poor. It also seems that genetic foot variances may be a factor as well.

do u have dorsal bone spurs(tiny bumps on top of your 1st metatarsals)? how much natural dorsiflexion do u have left in each big toe(by natural i mean when ur sitting on a chair and u dorsiflex big toe into air while foot remains grounded)?

myself i have dorsal bone spurs on both 1st metatarsals but i don’t have any pain or niggles on the great big toe joints during walking jogging skipping or sprinting, yet? however the ball of left foot cracks(loudly) every now and then when walking and left foot is grounded and in mid propulsion phase, mostly when barefoot or socks on hard floor, but now occasionally when on softer surfaces as well or in runners.

also, when dorsiflexing while laying or sitting these cracking(loud sounds occur) when i dorsiflex left big toe and now right as well. I’m guessing the cracking is a result of the phalanges coming out of alignment with the 1st metatarsals.