Running shoe wear patterns with hallux rigidus

Today's discussion actually comes from part of a question that I got from a runner in the Monday, Wednesday, Friday Coaching Group.
This is someone who had a condition called hallux rigidus.
He actually asked me what was the best way to assess your running shoes? If you could assess the running shoes to see if you have hallux rigidus or not?
When you get hallux rigidus, your big toe doesn't actually dorsiflex or come up away from the ground enough to allow you to walk or run without doing something to compensate.
Today on the Doc On The Run Podcast, we're talking about running shoe wear patterns with hallux rigidus.

[@HughDWallace]

Thank you for all of these videos. I've only just discovered your channel but you have described my situation perfectly. I don't know why but since my earliest memories I have always had limited range of movement in my left hallux. In the past year it has got to the point where the pain is beginning to limit what I do and I am beginning to wonder when my running/cycling/hillwalking days are over (I am only 47 so I was hoping for at least another 30 years...). But your videos have given me some useful hints as to what I can do to prolong my active life. Thank you again.

[@danward3928]

This is very helpful. I've know I have Hallux Rigidus for several years now but just started getting pain from it. Sucks that there is not much treatment option for it cause I sure do love running.

[@DocOnTheRun]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad to hear you found the video helpful. Just because you have the condition doesn't mean may you have to stop running. You just have to figure out what is going to work best for you, given your unique circumstances, so that you can keep running!

[@danward3928]

@@DocOnTheRun I haven't met with a doctor in several years for this. The podiatrist I met with gave me orthotics several years ago. I hate them though and don't run in them but I do wear them the rest of the day. Is a podiatrist the best to start back with (I moved away from the other doc) or should I start with another specialist?

[@HH-gv8mx]

What kind of running shoes are you wearing? I’ve always been an ASICS fan at nine months the stiffness, and excruciating pain and swollen Ness in my big right toe has become unbearable. I have to stay off it for days after a run. Because it’s so painful. I’m thinking of trying hokas.

[@DocOnTheRun]

@@HH-gv8mx I actually run in 4 different shoes, depending o the type of run workout. Keep in mind there is tremendous variability within any given brand.

[@danward3928]

@@HH-gv8mx I have shoes from Hoka, New Balance, Saucony and Brooks. By far my favorite are the New Balance Fresh Foam More v10 and The Saucony Endorphin speed 2. I did meet with a podatrist and he said that for my condition a stiffer shoe would be better for me.

[@HH-gv8mx]

I have had severe joint pain in my right big toe. It has lasted for over a year and has gotten worse in the past nine months. I am an avid runner seriously taking a hit from the swelling and excruciating pain. I experience the days following a run. I thought it was gout because it was red and hot, but I do have psoriatic arthritis so I am guessing it is probably arthritis of the big toe. I definitely need to change my running shoes. I am currently running in ASICS gel cumulus. And for decades, I’ve always run an ASICS. Kind of nervous to switch up the running shoe but I need to find a shoe that will alleviate the pressure on the big toe. I’m wondering which style of Hoka would be best for hallux rigidus.

[@DocOnTheRun]

I agree. Thanks for all of your comments. If you are having that much difficulty, it stands to reason that you certainly MUST change something.

[@Sad_Bumper_Sticker]

I have hallux limitus as shown on X-Ray and ultrasound with small growth on joint but still 90% movement of toe is there. Would you say putting of surgery by COMPLETELY stopping running even on a soft running track surface? It would break my soul to have to completely stop running.

[@DocOnTheRun]

Thank you for watching and I hope you found the video helpful. Thank you also for your comments. I am sorry to hear a doctor diagnosed you with the condition. I don't know what recommendations you received from your doctor, but if it would break your soul to completely stop running I certainly can't imagine why you would consider that as a first possibility.

[@mehdi6797]

I thought it can could be worse with this kind of shoes . I am working at the airport, usually I walk during all the day 9-10 hours Do you think I can put my classic shoes all the ???

[@DocOnTheRun]

@@mehdi6797 thank you for watching and I hope you found the video helpful. I'm sorry but I do not understand your question. Can you explain?

[@mehdi6797]

@@DocOnTheRun ok sorry I will try to be more clearer:)) I have hallux regidus for many many years. And it’s first time I hear that the classic shoes with a leather sole can help this issue .

[@mehdi6797]

Really 😮?????

[@DocOnTheRun]

@@mehdi6797 really....what do you mean by that?