UKBouldering.com
the shizzle => diet, training and injuries => Topic started by: Oldmanmatt on December 30, 2016, 02:23:47 pm
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So, my 46th completed annum closes with a (so far) tentative diagnosis of Hallux Rigidus in the big toe of my right foot...
([emoji445][emoji445]Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me[emoji445][emoji445][emoji90])
Whilst I'm now due x-rays etc to confirm, it seems likely; given the use and abuse it has been subjected to over the years (Frost bite, breakages and a steel 12ltr cylinder twin set being dropped on it, to name a few).
The pain had been increasing over the last few months but I didn't really notice because it always hurts and has for 25 years (see abuse section above). However, now, the boney growths are apparent and so is the pain.
Oddly, wearing rock shoes and climbing does not irritate it, nor does hard, weight bearing, hiking in good boots; but running/walking in trainers is hell.
I wasn't really familiar with this form of Arthritis, but I'm told it's common in middle age men and in particular active men; so I figure I won't be alone on this forum. I was also tremendously pleased to hear that it is degenerative and I can look forward to many years of increasing pain (F%##* €$¥¥*!!!!!).
So...
Who else?
Good management techniques?
(Drugs, Man! Tell me the best Drugs, Dude!).
Anyone reading climb with an amputated big toe?
All posts either sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek or mildly mocking-in-a-friendly-way unless otherwise stated. I always forget to put those smiley things...
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Apparently Reihold Messner had a couple of toes amputated (frozen). So you can still aim for alpine challenges or high mountain adventures :smart:
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So...
It was confirmed as a "Moderate" case, which bought me a free pass to rapid surgery if I so chose.
I did not.
The bloody thing has put an enormous crimp in my training for the Fan Dance. Essentially, last week was the second foray since Xmas (the first led to an extra week or two of rest, because the inflammation hadn't full died down).
It was suggested by the Podiatrist that a shoe change might be in order. Stiff, with rocker soles (not those idiotic fad things, just shoes "where the heel must lift for the toe to touch the ground").
So, no more running shoes or trainers. My Claws are pensioned off and I now live in these:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170329/ade8e057c08319da19c6b7ad428f19ce.jpg)
I was really worried I would have to stop running, but the Salomon X-ultra shoe is fucking lovely to run in. Dartmoor mud, Wet Granite, Wet Grass and a river crossing? Nay bother!
Ran a 10K on the moors last week, no roads, several very steepclimbs, scrambling and a knee deep river crossing; in driving rain and force 7 winds. Lovely! Wish I'd realised the stiff shoe thing much earlier. The Hallux pretty much rules out a front strike when running though.
The Quest boots are almost identical except for the hight at the ankle. Again, similar route and conditions, but with a 45lb load and running the down hill sections only; no pain at all.
And no cramp!
I think the cramp problem I was having, might have been the result of a change in gait brought on by the pain of the Hallux. My right foot had become very "splayed" over the years; just changing shoes has brought it back in line. A lot of knee issues disappeared too!
Shoes! Just bloody shoes!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Nice one Matt. I really need to get my toe looked at - it's bloody debilitating when it's bad!!
I think mine's related to the sesamoids, but I should get a specialist to have a look. What's best for this? Running-knowledgeable physio, or a podaitrist. I'm on Saucony Peregrines, so fairly soft. Seems to get aggravated when over-flexing.
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I do this when my toes are sore and it helps loads.
https://youtu.be/pknRYi9-T3M
Worth a go