Second toe on left foot won't flex and restricts mobility

[Ivanho4]

Hope someone here can post an answer to the problem I'm experiencing on my left foot. The toe that sits next to my large toe now bends slightly to the right and will not move at the joint.  The result is discomfort when I walk or attempt to do something like a treadmill, etc.

I went to a local DPM and he gave me a cortisone shot and said I needed to wear an orthodic insert in my shoes.  Fine, but the blasted thing was like walking on solid concrete.  The insert allowed for no flexibility and my feet, and especially that toe, were sore.  The shot deadened the pain somewhat, but didn't last very long.

Am I looking at a surgical procedure? I dread that possibility, since I hear the recovery time takes forever.  The doctor said he would need to break the toe, put in some screws (or was it pins?) and then put me in a cast for weeks and weeks.  No driving, no walking, no nothing.  Recovery time would be very lengthy and physical therapy would be needed.

Has anyone had this same issue?  Did you solve it with surgery or did you use other treatment methods.

Look forward to whatever advice/comments you might offer.

Thanks!

[b00sTMe15TeR]

This is Capsulitis, where the joint has been surrounded by ligaments, resulting in immobility of the toe joint. It is usually accompanied by pain, swelling etc. The end result is crossover where the toe actually crosses over the big toe.