RRC Archives

I've had a similar pain before.

For me it seemed to be caused by my big toe being bent towards the little toe because of a climbing shoe that was sort of symmetrical in the front with a bit of a point. The solution for me was to find a shoe with a more asymetrical front so that the big toe could remain mostly straight. Its hard to explain without pictures, but hopefully you follow me. An example of the kind of shoe that caused me some problems was the mythos, wheras something like the anasazi didn't cause as much trouble because the big toe can remain a little more stright.

And stretching the toe a bit did help.

Also, I think people with really flat feet are prone to this because even basic walking/running puts a similar odd angle on that joint becuase your whole foot is rollled inward a bit.

I never saw a doctor though, and my understanding of the problem is limited to what I experienced...so take my advice with a disclaimer of "may not do anything for you".

Likely a neuroma. Find some off-rock shoes that give your nerves a chance. You're squeezing the hell outta them. You can always try some ultrasound and iontophoresis (a transdermal anti-inflammatory) or have your doc shoot you up with some cortisone (which may be more painful than the neuroma itself). Good luck.

I'm not sure about the Neuroma now. I got a big does of the pain tonight while bouldering and was really able to feel where it is. It's pretty much centralized around the lower joint of the big toe. I think the symptoms are more closely related to Hallux Rigidus. Either way it does sound like a result of a tight toe boxed climbing shoe.

try glucosomine and condroitin with msm. You've got to take it intra-anally for it to really work. Post some pictures of the "application" and I'll tell you if you are doing it right.

It's much more fun to free base it.

You have inflamation within the joint. I usually just put up with it, but it does hurt. maybe tape some padding underneath.

I don't know what makes it happen, put for me its more temporary, like less than a day in duration.