Run Run Away

Question:

Looking for some help here. I’m 28 and have recently been told I have a decent case of arthritis in the first (proximal )joint of my left foot big toe. This is preventing the proper bend in that toe causing the distal portion to curve up for compensation and pain throughout the entire toe and now spreading across the foot. It is highly unlikely running has had any thing to do with this as I’ve only run a total of less than 3 years and always under 20 miles a week(usually under 15).  It is more likely a result of my 12 years of hockey, 7 years of football or, most suspect to me, my 10 years of martial arts (lots of jaming of the toe there). For therepy, a podiatrist has just given me inserts.  Even though I already have a high arch, this insert is supposed to maintain it as I step to reduce stress on the joint. She says she wants to avoid surgery because of my young age and the possibility of scaring. However, I just want my toe to be back to normal and am considering asking for the surgery.  Anyone else go through this?  Sugestions, thoughts? Troy

Response:

Hi, Troy, I’m 59 and active in Martial Arts and my suggestion would be to try to find a D.O. with an interest in sports medicine. Hope this will help you, Lewis. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Hi Troy, I have the exact same thing, same toe even. I am about 10 years older, but started having pain about 5 years ago. It was first diagnosed as a bunion and I was told to wear wide comfortable shoes. Duh. I’ve worn running shoes all my life. (always the tomboy, I didn’t mix well with pointy-toed high heels) Finally 4 doctors, an xray and an MRI later,(and alot of pain and frustration) I was correctly diagnosed with severe DJD (degenerative  joint disease or osteoarthritis, also called turf toe as lots of professional football players develop this) That was about a year ago. I had physical therapy, deep water running, custom orthotics, NSAIDS, a cast up to my knee and crutches for 2 months and finally the last ditch effort, a cortisone injection into the joint. This worked for about 6 months. They are very reluctant to do this because it causes more damage to the joint. Given this experience, my advice is this: Find a sports medicine doctor who specializes and participates in running. Forget about surgery all together. Your toe will never be the same again….ever. Accept that. Even with the best surgeon toe joint replacement MAY give you 80% function, and you will not be able to run, since the artificial joints can not tolerate that kind of stress. Also given your age, and the fact that current technologyis still wanting, artificial joints only last about 10 years, and then you have to have surgery again. The other option is fusing the joint. The justification for this is no joint, no pain. Also no real motion, ie. limping, not running. Sorry to be such a bummer, but this is what I’ve found after doing lots of research and talking to lots of doctors and runners alike. You may find some alternative that works for you, but the best bet is to hope technology improves to the point where joint replacement is effective and durable. Marcia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking for some help here. I’m 28 and have recently been told I have a decent case of arthritis in the first (proximal )joint of my left foot big toe. This is preventing the proper bend in that toe causing the distal portion to curve up for compensation and pain throughout the entire toe and now spreading across the foot. It is highly unlikely running has had any thing to do with this as I’ve only run a total of less than 3 years and always under 20 miles a week(usually under 15).  It is more likely a result of my 12 years of hockey, 7 years of football or, most suspect to me, my 10 years of martial arts (lots of jaming of the toe there). For therepy, a podiatrist has just given me inserts.  Even though I already have a high arch, this insert is supposed to maintain it as I step to reduce stress on the joint. She says she wants to avoid surgery because of my young age and the possibility of scaring. However, I just want my toe to be back to normal and am considering asking for the surgery.  Anyone else go through this?  Sugestions, thoughts? Troy

Response: