Arthritis...A painful way of life

For the past decade I have been dealing with a painful foot which I was told was a bunion.  This was the diagnosis from one of the best orthopedic foot doctors in our area. However, after years of using bunion pads, toe spacers, and a bunion splint worn at night, I have had no relief. 

My bunion paraphernalia

This led me to research bunion surgery options.  After searching the web and watching several you-Tube videos I knew this was NOT the route I wanted to take.  So I decided to make another appointment with the orthopedic surgeon for an update on my bunion dilemma. Since I wasn't able to see the one I saw years ago, I made an appointment with the other foot surgeon. An early morning appointment yesterday offered some answers to my pain. After several X-rays, he confirmed what I suspected for the last few months, Hallux rigidus or severe big toe arthritis. Along with arthritis I also have bone spurs on the top of the bone of my big toe. OUCH! No wonder it feels like I have been walking on glass shards.  If I were younger, he would recommend a clean- up of the affected joints. At my age, the options are joint replacement, bone fusion, or custom carbon orthotics.  Since I dislike needles I am going with the orthotics.  Hopefully they will offer some relief.  Although my foot is painful, nothing compares with the constant pain from the arthritis of my hands.  Unfortunately there is nothing that will offer relief from this pain.  

Right hand with crooked pinkie

Left hand with bulbous fingers and crooked pinkie

My joints are already dreading the cold weather. Thankfully only 6 months until Spring!