Has anyone tried supporting their big toe joint when it is painful?

[Coriander18]

I have a swollen left big toe joint. It hurts more if I press down on it from the top. Have been told that when the hospital opens up it will be injected. Right now I'd like to do something to relieve the swelling.

Saw something that goes round the toe and joint for bunions on the Boots website, but rheumy said I'd probably be wasting my money, but it wouldn't do any harm, so I didn't buy it.

Would value hearing whether anyone has tried this or anything else, and I feel I want to support the joint in some way (for my wrists I have some great supports from OT and feel I want similar for my toe).

Thanks.

[springcross]

Have you tried the internet. There are a few products to have a look at.

[Creakywrists]

I have the same problem with the joint on my second toe.

Bizarrely I wear plimsoles half a size bigger than normal (with memory foam insoles) which don’t press on the joint from above. Looks quite normal with jeans. I also find that a blister plaster right over the joint and the top of the toe protects it.

Reading this back it sounds really weird but it works for me!

[Coriander18 in reply to Creakywrists]

Interesting, right now I feel I want something to press on it like mad, but I've been going round with those round discs (for removing make-up) to pad my sock so it doesn't rub which also works to stop blisters.

[marie66]

Hi ask for a referral to podiatry. I'd be lost without my toe supports, they really help! M x

[Mmrr]

I use voltarol gel on small toe and finger joints which helps a little (not much good on bigger joints).

[Prunes]

It was nearly thirty years ago now but my OT custom-made me a special splint for my toe to keep it straight when it was particularly swollen one summer. It worked a treat.

[Coriander18 in reply to Prunes]

Yes, I think that's what I'd like.

[Prunes in reply to Coriander18]

She made it from the same stuff that she had made my wrist paddle splints from. It was summer so I could wear it all the time as I was wearing sandals.

Hope you can get something similar sorted.

[Lulu1932]

I remember a million years ago when our shopping with my mum and I used to laugh at her. Wherever she was she’d suddenly stop walking, bend down, slip her shoe off and lift up her middle toes. She’s stay like that for a few minutes and I used to ask her why. She explained she had arthritis in her toes and that was one of the things she used to do to ease the pain when it flared. Being a child, I couldn’t understand said pain. But boy, do I understand now! Funny how some things jog your memory!

Anyway, best wishes to you and yours. 😊x