Hallux Rigidus

[Steve Campbell]

Wife is under an excellent consultant so just posting here for patient testimony or expert 2nd opinion (as far as that can happen on PH ! LOL)

She has been diagnosed with Hallux Rigidus. Mainly in right toe but beginnings in left. Stage 2 on the right. She will begin non-operative treatment Thursday this week (initial depo-medrone & "mobilisation" then 2 or 3 hyaluronic acid over 3 months)

The main reason for asking is that when doing the usual google research, surgery is often the end result. The consultant has been excellent throughout and doesn't want to go down surgery route unless absolutely necessary. However, we are planning a large family holiday for next summer that will involve walking (Yosemite & surrounds) which really has to happen next year to fit around sons exams if we are to do it as a family. My wife is already saying "well lets just go with surgery early !" … and she hasn't even started the treatment yet !

We will continue to talk to the consultant. Anyone been through this and got anything to add or relevant experience ?

[Skyedriver]

My wife, (retired physio) believes that's what the problem is with my right big toe. Had it for about 8 years, bit of problem occasionally, had to find a pair of boots that folded in the right place rather than fold onto the sore part of the toe but other than that I just live with it. Most times it doesn't worry me. Dodgy knee is a bigger concern. All the problems of getting old. People think that when you retire you have loads of time to yourself but the reality is you spend it all in the Doctors or Hospital!! Dropping an electric radiator on it a few months back did nothing for it either....

(Electric radiator in bathroom, 4 screwholes to fix it to the wall. Previous occupier used two screws and silicone. How was I to know...)

[sawman]

She still has plenty of time to try non operative measures, and get surgery if it doent help. 3-4 months between surgery and trip should be ok, so long as surgery isnt fusion . injection therapy you mention can be helpful but rarely curative if already stage 2. Also footwear choices and orthotics can be helpful.
The dilemma with this condition is that if it progresses whilst conservative options fail the ultimate surgical intervention may be joint destructive rather than joint sparing. Where as early intervention may preserve the joint.
Unfortunately there isn't a right answer, in terms of when to jump into surgery. But if you do and dont like it you cant go back.

[Steve Campbell]

Thank you.

First injection went well and has eased some of the "ache". She is having a gait analysis in next couple of weeks to see if orthotics will also help. She's now happier that the treatment is underway....she has no patience when it comes to illness for herself !!