Hallux Rigidus.

[curlyperm11]

Hi, just curious as to anyone here has had this, or indeed knows anyone who has?
Basically in laymans terms it's like a bunion on side of your big toe. Mines been there for years, I assumed (wrongly) it was gout.
Turns out it arthritis (I'm 50)
Operation reads like a 6 week out of action nightmare!!!
Wondered about an alternative? Like cortisone injection Etc? Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks. X

[Buenchico]

Treatment options here:
http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/footandankle/information/foot/conditions/big-toe.aspx
Perhaps the 'orthotics' approach might be worth a try?

[TheChair]

My wife had the op at around 50. 3 days in hospital, around 6 weeks of wearing weird platform shoes, and afterwards, pure relief. Prior to the op, she'd had to give up dancing, and found walking very difficult. She now has a titanium rod fixed to each big toe, and she can dance, walk, swim with no problems and no pain.

[Sqad]

Your choice of treatment is quite simple, you either take pain killers eg Ibuprofen or have the operation.
There is no place in this condition for steroids either by mouth or injection.

An Orthopaedic surgeon will assess the stage of the disease and the operation will be tailored to your needs.

The post of the Chair above is a typical response to operation.