orthotics for big toe arthritis

[sijohn911]

Hi, I have recently developed big toe arthritis (hallux limitus). I have tried standard insoles but they only provide limited relief and don't stop my big toes from bending so the pain continues when I walk.

I've seen loads of orthotics for sale but am unsure which would help specifically with big toe arthritis. I'd be grateful if anyone could recommend any. Thanks.

[Happyrosie]

You can go to a chiropodist/ podiatrist and get advice from them. I had some made to fit. They were expensive, and wore out after less than two years so I tried different ones from high street shops.

I found they all do the same job though. I discussed this with a physiotherapist who agreed with me that you can buy cheap ones and see how you go. When I last tried to buy some I was told that because of Covid they hadn’t been manufactured and they were not available!

Mine was called hallux rigidus rather than limitus.

I buy glucosamine with chondroitin which helps a good deal.

I was told, when I first started to talk to a chiropodist about this twenty years ago, that eventually the toe joint would seize up, there would then be no movement and therefore the pain would be much less. This has now happened within the last few months. The pain is less but I walk even more like a pregnant duck.

The only thing now is either grin and bear it, with insoles, or have a joint replacement. So I’m grinning and bearing.

[Pixix]

I was referred to a podiatrist (through a rheumatologist) as I was walking on sides of my feet to avoid pain, but hadn’t really noticed! The podiatrist made impressions of each foot & purpose built ones were made to take the pressure off walking on my toes (it has spread to other toes since then). I asked about buying more pairs & found out they cost over £100 a pair. I have to wear them ALL the time…I stress that as it means I can’t wear sandals, crocs, flip flops, sliders etc! I had to take a selection of my shoes into the appointment for approval. It’s good, but in the summer it’s hard not wearing ‘open shoes’! Hope this helps!