Anybody out there trail running/racing with hallux rigidus (arthritis of the big toe joint)? If so, how are you coping?
I have hallux rigidus in both of my big toes. First time was on my right. Had cheilectomy on it to remove the bone spurs from the joint about 4 1/2 years ago. Was pain free for about three years but now the pain is back. Left toe was just diagnosed this year after seeing the signs and having pain develop. Met with the surgeon and he said surgery was up to me for it. I'm thinking I won't do the surgery if it's only going to last me 3-4 years before the pain comes back. But now I'm in a conundrum. The surgeon says the next step on the right toe would be fusion and he says he has lots of patients that keep running after that. I'm skeptical to say the least. Anyway, been trying to manage the pain and deal with it. Was rubbing aspercreme on the toe joints before big runs/races and that seemed to work okay. Lately I've been putting lidocaine on the joints before big runs and that works for about an hour and a half. Anyway, for anyone else out there dealing with this condition, how are you doing it? Are there specific shoes you're wearing for it? I've been running in La Sportiva Prodigio Pros and while I really like the shoe I'm starting to wonder if it is too soft and flexible for this condition. I have Prodigio 2's I recently got and have done some runs in them. They are noticeably stiffer (less flex in the toe box and less torsional flex overall) and am starting to wonder if they would be better for me overall for this condition. I definitely feel more rocks under my feet with the Pro's and that might not be the best thing for my feet. Anyway, if anyone else out there is dealing with this, do you think a stiffer shoe, or less soft shoe (or both) would be better? Is it time for me to move up to thicker shoes with more cushion, like maybe the Prodigio Max to try and protect the joint as much as possible? Any feedback is much appreciated. I've been dealing with this for years and the thought has crossed my mind that I might have to give up trail running because of it. If I have to move up to more cushioned shoe, or one that is stiffer with less flex in order to keep running well then that's something I'm willing to try.