About four years ago someone trod on my toes very hard while boarding a train. I didn't do anything about it at the time as, even if broken, it would merely be a case of 'buddy-taping', which I could do myself.
However, over the last year I have apparently developed arthritis in them - they are permanently slightly swollen and tend to give me pain, particularly in bed, but sometimes when walking. My GP and chiropodist both say 'arthritis' as if it is a trivial condition. They suggest NSAIDz, paracetamol etc..but unfortunately, as was also the case with my mother, they - and stronger things like co-codamol, co-dydramol, tramadol, oxycontin, Butrans and Fentanyl patches never touch any of my back or other arthritis problems. I may also have fibromyalgia.
I do wish people would realise that pain in such a small area as the toe can still be really bad. I am going to the pain clinic for my sciatica in 5 weeks and will mention that as well.