Pain in joint of big toe

[Pherstun]

Hiya, my first post on here!  I need some help please if possible.

The background: I have supple joints (all my joints, not just my feet) and am also flat footed, which I have orthotics for.  I don't heal as well as I used to, my body is busy fighting Crohn's disease which saps most of my energy.

In November 2009, I put some new insoles into my existing good quality walking boots.  I was fine at first but when I got into my stride and my foot slipped down the boot (as always), the top of the joint of my left big toe (where the toe meets the skin of the foot) must have been pressing significantly on the top of the boot, in a place where there's also a metal fastener for the lace.  I had to hobble in pain for about half a mile before I could find somewhere to stop and take the insole out.

I can't wear court shoes any more because they dig into the sore spot on my joint, not even flat shoes (not that I wear really high heels) - the shoes I wear have to be a style that do not stop where the joint is (ie lace ups, boots).  Even now as I sit here the joint is throbbing.

I have tried using various padding products, eg moleskin, gel, but nothing stops it being sore.  I am getting bored of it now, I want it to stop hurting and wear some of my nice shoes!

Does anyone have any suggestion what I can do please, I don't mind seeing a chiropodist if they would be able to do something, but I don't want to spend the money if they can't help!

Regards
Debbie

[Yena H Do, DPM]

unfortunately, it is difficult to comment b/c i would have to see the foot and determine what the source of pain is.
if the pain still continues, i recommend having it checked.  i recommend and xray also

[Pherstun]

Hi, thank you for your reply.

I'm fine when wearing walking boots and I've had the orthotics for a while, fitted by a podiatrist, who told me to wear walking boots rather than shoes/trainers.

I wondered whether I had done some permanent damage to the joint of my toe, and whether there is anything I can do to help it heal please?

Regards
Debbie

[Yena H Do, DPM]

try wearing the orthotics in sneakers, like a new balance shoe.  remove the liners b/f placing your orthotics in them.  lace the shoes up the sides instead of cris crossing.
if you continue to have pain, see a podiatrist for a biomechanical exam to see what needs to be done to correct your foot type.