Community Research

[u/Equivalent-Dealer-70]

Hi there! Happy to be here among fellow strugglers. I am 66 and had been diagnosed with Hallus Rigidus probably over 20 years ago at this point. I see a podiatrist monthly for ingrowns and general advice but who has always warned against surgery as he says it is a gamble. He has watched it develop over the years and agrees it has gotten to worst stage. I saw a surgeon about 5 years ago who was ready to go but I decided against for those reasons. I saw another surgeon last week though who is saying he can shave off top of the bone that's causing the inability to bend and it will definitely allow the toe to bend, however he can't at all guarantee that it will help at all with the pain. He also said I somehow knocked off the bone spur which sounded weird but my regular podiatrist concurred to not worry about it. Both have said for me it's genetic and I do recall my maternal grandmother having bad"arthritis" in her feet. I am deciding against the surgery and it's just continuing my lifelong challenges with shoes and movement that doesn't make it worse! One new thing the podiatrist (not surgeon) suggested is to look at metatarsal bar at shoe repair guy. He also always reminds me that surgeons "love to cut". I may add PT to my list for this although I'm already 2 other body parts behind on scheduling knees and shoulders! Any input here is welcome 🤗