Inflamed Metatarsal Joint

During training for a long run this spring, a metatarsal joint on my second (next to big) toe became inflamed. It's right on the ball of my foot. Since it didn't hurt while running, I did the race, icing it before and after every run. I've been icing it in the morning and at night as well as taking ibuprofen regularly. The podiatrist prescribed orthotics and said to keep training, and we'll revaluate at the end of the summer.

It hasn't gotten worse, but it definitely hasn't gotten better. After investing so much time in training, I've decided to train only for the swim and bike, do my second tri in a couple of weeks, and give up on doing a third.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Do I need to go on crutches to allow the inflamation to go down? Is there something else to try?