Hallux rigidus/knee contracture/pseudogout

I have been dealing with a painful situation involving my right knee and my right toe for a few years . I had an accident in a gym class 50 years ago where I tore my medial and lateral meniscus and displaced the knee cap in my right knee. My knee swelled up like a balloon; I was hospitalized for 2 weeks, given blood thinners, and a brace to stabilize my knee. That’s it. An orthopedic surgeon recently told me that I should have had my knee taken care of 50 years ago. Surgery was never recommended for the knee back then; just physical therapy, which I did. I had no idea that I had a torn meniscus or anything else. There were no MRIs at that time, only x-rays. Now I have a mild permanent knee contracture(which has led to muscle atrophy in my thigh), Pseudogout, and torn meniscus parts in my knee. The knee has swollen up a couple times and was drained in the past few years, and cortisone shots have been injected in to the knee twice. My orthopedic surgeon recently said the knee cannot be surgically fixed now. About 5 years ago I developed hallux rigidus in my right big toe. I am now in a viscous cycle of pain between my hallux rigidus toe and my knee. The pain from my toe alters my gait, which in turn alters the mechanics of my knee and causes more pain . My foot doctor recommended joint fusion of my big toe. I’m afraid joint fusion of big toe will alter my gait even more, causing more problems for the knee. I feel overwhelmed by the whole situation. My activity level is going down because of the pain, and so is my outlook. Has anyone else experienced hallux rigidus with a knee injury on the same side (right or left)? If so, I would so appreciate hearing your stories.