Question
I was told years ago that I had arthritis in the bone of my left big toe.  I have lost a lot of my range of motion in it, and that area is always swollen - sometimes more than others.  Sometimes (now) it aches and sometimes it doesn't bother me at all.  Is there any treatment for this other than cortozone shots?  I have not tried the shot yet, but it scars me as I've heard of one very bad experience from them.  

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist says...
If you are going to try an injection have your doctor use a Phosphate based steroid with a local anesthetic. That will minimize the pain and most side effects.Follow up with a good pair of custom made orthoses.
The injection may only work temporarily-depending on your physical activity level and weight.
Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of the success rate according to the x-rays.
If the x-rays were taken without you standing(weight bearing)-then you should seek a second opinion!
The only way to try to predict the outcome is with weight-bearing x-rays-which show the true relationship of your foot bones to the ground.
If the motion in the joint is decreased and you still have good cartilage,then you should go see a Board Certified Podiatrist who specializes in these kinds of repairs for a consult. It does involve surgery, but the success rate in qualified hands is high and recurrence rate very low.
The condition you have is known as Hallux Limitus-a form of a bunion-sometimes also known as Hallux Rigidus or a Dorsal Bunion.

We specialize in these types of treatment and repairs

Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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