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2012-05-14 9:49 PM


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Subject: Degenerative Joint Disease - Great (Big) Toe

Anybody else have issues with this? I started running last July and started having issues in my great/big toe joint a couple months later. I've tried different shoes: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11, Merrell Road Glove, and Brooks Pure Confidence. Also tried an over the counter arch support with a stiffer piece under the big toe that the doctor added. None of it really seems to help. 

I just saw my second podiatrist and he took a bunch more xrays and diagnosed me with Degenerative Joint Disease and said I'm well on my way to Hallux Rigidus. I'm 26. I do not want to wake up at 52 and not be able to move my feet! I wonder if possibly my weight might have something to do with it (started running at 220, 199 now and still going down)?

The second doctor prescribed custom orthotics. Any thoughts on going this route? I don't really want to spend the money but I'm willing to if it helps. Just looking for some more opinions from others that may have had this issue.

2012-05-15 7:13 PM
in reply to: #4209815


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Subject: RE: Degenerative Joint Disease - Great (Big) Toe
Same issue and same diagnoses here, except I am likely farther along than you in the degeneration. I tried lots of different show, full orthotics and even as far as orthotics with ankle braces. At the end of the day, while still painful on some days, it is manageable with the new Altra shoes I found (huge toe box and forefoot running so if you are a heel striker it may not be an option). Lots of stretches as well. If you find a miracle cure I would love to hear it. My last podiatrist wanted to grind off part of the bone....
2012-05-20 7:44 PM
in reply to: #4209815

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Subject: RE: Degenerative Joint Disease - Great (Big) Toe

I'm no help, but can somewhat sympathize.

I had hallux rigidus (caused by turf toe when I was WAY younger than you...like 19!).

Three surgeries and 13 years later I still have a crappy toe.  I'm 33...and my toe is 90.

I would suggest a foot and ankle ortho....nothing against podiatrists, but sometimes I think they forget that the foot is attached to the rest of the body. :D  See if you can find a foot and ankle ortho...especially with a sports lean.  They might have more options for you.

Not sure where you live, but if you are anywhere near the Florida Panhandle Dr. Eric Nilssen at the Andrews Institute absolutely ROCKS!  He did my third toe surgery (the most recent one) and it's the most mobility I've had since I was a teenager.  Don't get me wrong...it still hurts and doesn't bend like a normal toe...it NEVER will...EVER.  But it's a lot better than it was!

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