Big toe agony

I hurt my big toe a year ago doing lunges and it's still sore. I have tried ultrasound and walking in ridiculous rigid soled shoes to let it heal but it still hurts.
Pain around joint and obviously in tendon that leads into it (the something longus!)
Cant bend it properly and am now truly fed up. Wore MBT's (Masai Bare foot trainers) which are quite heavy against the joint and now I can't stand them at all.
And they cost me £130 ($250)!! Any suggestions? I am beginning to fear it may be permanent.