Who can do the massage manipulation for a sore big toe?

"Gary,

I had some questions about the manipulation of the big toe? What type of professional can perform or would you suggest to perform the technique on the big toe?

I went to a podiatrists about almost 2 years ago, who took x-rays and stated I had Hallux rigidus in my joint. He stated that it could be from an old injury or hereditary which no one in my family has except bunions. I do remember this started when I was pregnant with my second son, and I do remember stubbing this toe and hurting for a little while. The podiatrists suggested some non movement shoes and prescribed anti-inflammatory. I tried taking the anti-inflammatory prescribed for about a week and it upset my stomach.

I absolutely hate taking medications if I do not have to, I only take maybe allergy meds on occasion p.r.n. He also suggested different foot wear, tennis shoes. I live in Florida and I can not wear tennis shoes around all the time in my house etc my feet would sweat!.... So I would like to try your alternative massage method which I think would work. I do have a bump on the top of the metatarsal joint which he said was arthritic.

My question is in the video you suggest someone professional to do this, Who might you suggest and the joint repair solution to use?

Any info would be great since I do experience pain... "

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Gary Moller comments:

I think the best professional to do the job is an experienced sports massage therapist. The massage/manipulation should be repeated every 4-7 days, once the toe has settled enough to repeat the procedure. After 3-4 sessions you should notice a significant improvement. Keep repeating the procedure until there is no pain of significance. If it does not improve after several sessions, then you should stop and review the situation.

I do not recommend taking anti inflammatoriescing the area. There are few situations that they should ever be taken. These drugs interfere with the natural healing processed within the body. While you may "recover" more quickly by popping these drugs, the resultant healed area may be weak and vulnerable to further injury. It is better to encourage and enhance the natural healing processes which the inflammatory process is part and parcel.

You do not need rigid shoes. Joints thrive on movement. Movement nourishes and polishes the joint surfaces. Encased in rigid and restrictive shoes causes stagnation of the joint synovium and consequent deterioration for the joint surfaces. You are better to get a good pair of walking shoes and rip out the inner sole and replace it with a pair of heat moulded Formthotics which support the feet without restricting their movement.

Get about bare foot and find a sandy beach and walk in the sand and shallows. Do not overdo this - ease into it a few minutes a day and gradually build it up as the feet adapt. Use the the same principles of physical conditioning as an athelte - hard day, easy day, hard day. So make every 2nd day a more or less rest day for the feet.

Nutrition is critical for proper healing: The first thing is to ensure that you have the right mineral balance. Please complete the Active elements Assessment here. I think you should also be taking a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. You could also add some omega 3 oil. The best value is Waihi Bush Flax oil.

The idea is to start taking these nutrition supplements for about two weeks before you commence the toe therapy and continue for as long as there is any pain. While getting the toe workeed on, take the time to get a complete foot and calf muscle massage. chances are they are in need of some loving.

Do you have a question?
Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.