pain in toe

For several years I have had varying degrees of trouble with my toes.
It started shortly having my first baby about 14 years ago.
There was pain in the joints of my toes when I walked.–Especially on my 2nd (?) toe–the one next to the big toe on my left foot.
Several months later I finally figured out that my feet had grown a full size with that pregnancy, and eventually replaced my shoes.
The problem let up.3 years later, a 2nd baby, the same problem.
My feet had grown another full size.
The problem flared up for a while, but let up again. But it never went completely away in that one toe.
I had more problems with real pain in the joints of that toe while walking.
About 5 years ago I went to an orthopod who said I looked healthy and prescribed that I spend as much of my life in a pair of Birkenstocks as I could.
I did buy the Birkenstocks and discovered that what helped me the most was the toe ridge.
I told my mom about this and she handed me some hammertoe slings that enabled me to feel comfortable in most any type of shoe…Until this past May.
The pain flared up terribly (one particular pair of shoes seemed to be particularly aggrevating) and I have been seeing a podiatrist since then.
But after doing x-rays, she still wasn’t able to diagnose anything.–We’ve just been trying this and that to alleviate the pain. Do you have any suggestions?
I am at at-home mom…Live my life in New Balance shoes and wear wide or opened toed flats to church on Sundays.
I have NO pointy or high-heeled shoes.
But I’m really limited in what I can wear and handle, and I’m not sure how long this will last.
Thanks.