I had pain in the main joint of my big toe, left foot, for approximately 10 years. My podiatrist (actually two, one retired) xrayed and gave me a cortisone shot in the joint throughout those years.
Three years ago I stood up, felt terrific pain, had considerable swelling and was told that the joint had disintegrated. The surgical plan was to place cross pins in the joint which would allow me some flexibility. So much bone had disintegrated that the surgeon placed a metal plate in my foot and my toe no longer flexes.
The pain has grown worse over the past three years. I can no longer run (I was very active), I cannot walk more than a short distance. I am having ankle and knee pain because of my "new" gait, and some nights I cannot sleep because of the pain and muscle spasms.
Does anyone have any experience in any type of relief? Physicians are reluctant to prescribe pain medication. I am told that the surgery is irreversible. The Surgeon said he cannot sever the nerves (which crossed my mind) and I feel like a handicapped person.
Does anyone have any experience or thoughts?
Three years ago I stood up, felt terrific pain, had considerable swelling and was told that the joint had disintegrated. The surgical plan was to place cross pins in the joint which would allow me some flexibility. So much bone had disintegrated that the surgeon placed a metal plate in my foot and my toe no longer flexes.
The pain has grown worse over the past three years. I can no longer run (I was very active), I cannot walk more than a short distance. I am having ankle and knee pain because of my "new" gait, and some nights I cannot sleep because of the pain and muscle spasms.
Does anyone have any experience in any type of relief? Physicians are reluctant to prescribe pain medication. I am told that the surgery is irreversible. The Surgeon said he cannot sever the nerves (which crossed my mind) and I feel like a handicapped person.
Does anyone have any experience or thoughts?