Osteoarthritis in big toe

-=KingFisher=-

I've just been 'diagnosed' as having osteoarthritis in my big toe. Symptoms for me included a cracking sound when the two large bones in my big toe rub against each other at the metatarsal joint. A pronounced ridge over the top of that metatarsal joint. And, most importantly, a deep dull ache within the joint the becomes acute as you flex the joint in a toe off running, or flex walking, or an occasional twinge in my stiff-soled cycling shoes.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had this diagnosed, gone down this path, and would like to share experiences...