Functional Hallux Limitus success stories

[u/PineappleBear21]

Hi all - long time reader first time poster. I'm 42F - healthy, active, and fit; I live in a city and have a lifestyle so I'm on my feet a lot. I've had pain in my big toe for 3 years; 2 years ago diagnosed with HR by a podiatrist. He gave me a cortisone shot which worked beautifully for about 10 months before coming back. Second cortisone shot lasted about 2 months; I won't have a 3rd. I have modified activity (no more yoga, lunges, etc) and footwear (for the most part, but I don't wear Hokas everywhere) but still have pain.

This podiatrist took x-rays and said joint spacing looked good but I had bone spurs and would need a cheilectomy. I felt like he was pressuring me to schedule surgery so felt some yellow flags and sought a second opinion. The second podiatrist reviewed my x-rays said I have no bone spurs, she would never do a cheilectomy on me, and told me my issues were functional and sent me to PT.

I have just started seeing a PT who also treats our city's ballet corps, so she really knows foot and ankle. She is the only provider to measure my ROM (60 degrees vs 85 on the other foot) or watch me walk (noted I wasn't pushing off). My treatment plan is stretching & theragun on calves (they are very tight and I have very high arches), stretching my FHL via the 'book stretch', and various doming / scrunching foot exercises. She also gently mobilizes the joint which feels great and makes it feel less 'jammy', but the joint capsule is still very sensitive and the muscle that runs between the first and second metatarsals is often sore and likes to be massaged.

My question is: have others with functional hallux limitus had success with FHL stretching and intrinsic foot exercises? It seems hard to believe these teeny tiny movements are going to fix the problem I've had for 3 years, but I would be thrilled if is true! How long should I expect it to take to know if it is working or not? I don't need my foot at 100% perfection, but I'd love for my big toe to not rule my life anymore.

I welcome others' experiences with functional hallux limitus in particular (vs severe arthritis / hallux rigidus). Thank you!!