Arthritis of the Hallux DIP joint and Hallux Rigidus
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've had hallux rigidus Stage II for 2-3 years and now I just learned that the smaller joint of the big toe, the DIP joint (distal interphalangeal joint) also has bone spurs which is causing me even more pain the hallux rigidus.
Does anyone else have both of these problems together? I definitely need a chilectomy or Cartiva implant for the hallux rigidus, and now I might need a chilectomy for the DIP joint as well. If the chilectomy will buy me 5-10 years before needing fusion, I might do that.
Anyone here had work done on the Hallux DIP joint? Would love to hear what treatment you got for it.
1 like, 2 replies
barbara41134 Garet
Posted
I am not familiar with your situation except to say I have much pain in right great toe. I will be following your progress and wish you well. So far my doctor has advised cold packs which have definitely helped the Morton's Neuroma....I hope it will help everything else so will continue and now use special inserts in my shoes to improve the pronation and arch situation. Best to you.
NancyMN Garet
Posted
I've had chielectomy on both toes, (November, '16 for the right, and May, '17 for the left). Did the right first because if hurt more. Overall, I'm happy with the results because I no longer suffer the arthritis pain and my ROM is significantly improved. On balance, I'm disappointed in that neither toe is like new--which I expected. I would definitely do both surgeries again.
As for pain and deficits, there are some. I still stretch and do some of the exercises I learned in PT. If I walk too much, or am on my feet too long, I have pain, but it's not severe 2-4 on a scale of 10). The left toe is close to normal in terms of pain and endurance. I actually have more issues with the right toe. I'm in the process of setting up an appointment to go see my surgeon for issues with the right toe. Those issues relate to pain around the ball of my foot primarily; but again not really severe or limiting. I just want perfection and no limitations.
I've always been a lover of beautiful shoes. About 6 months ago I had a funeral for about 50 pairs of shoes that I will never be able to wear again. They probably contributed to the problem in the first place. But heels no longer have a place in my closet. That said, I've found that the best shoes for me are flats with a cushy sole, the cushier the better. With good shoes I really have no limitations.
My doctor told me that I will require more surgery in 5-10 years. I can live with that as long as I retain my mobility. Cartiva is a consideration; chielectomy seems a little more conservative in terms of experience in the U.S. and consistency of results. I would probably opt for that next go-around, but by then there may have be more advances that point to cartiva as a better option. I will do just about anything to avoid a fusion.