Bones fused in foot

[bigkidatheart]

Osteoarthritis, I've been told that they will try in January to get a steriod injection in my big to (Helux Rigidus) its the join just before the toe nail. He said he is really going to struggle but is willing to give it a go but there is no movement and he doesn't think he will get into it. Also, it may cause me a lot of pain. The pain i'm experiencing in my big toe when walking or driving for the last 2 years is worth a try.

He then said that if he can't he will put me forward for a bone fusion.

Has anyone had this done?

Is it a painful procedure?

What's the actual recovery time?

How long until you could drive?

I walk a lot in my job (10,000 average a day), will this affect that or will i walk as normal after?

Does it make a difference once you have had it done, to the pain?

I have looked at the NHS website but would appreciate some feedback from someone who has had it done.

Last question, and it's a biggie........will I ever to able to wear a heel again, even just a small one? I have to many beautiful boots and shoes that are sat getting dusty 😪

Not the toes, but I know a lady who has had the bones fused in several fingers for the same reason and she’s very happy with it. No more pain.

I've not had it done but I have hallux rigidus in both feet. I assume you've done all the stuff like transition to 100pc trainer wearing woth wide toe box and gap at front and never wear normal shoes? This made a big difference for me in terms of pain.
There are some less aggressive operations possible. Cheilectomy is removal of spurs but it depends on your presentation really whether that would work. You will be able to walk again as I understand although recovery seems quite long when I discussed. I've decided to live with it for as long as I can

I was told by GP that nothing can be done for arthritis, they will not even give me painkillers. I have it in all joints, my fingers are very painful and deformed, I am seriously thinking of chopping the end off my ring finger, at least it will not be there to hurt any more, my DH says not to

@Whyherewego I have had the insoles and I have had rigid bottom shoes with guard over top and space at end, they are going to try the injection but he said he doesn't think he will get it in. Its like an electric shock when i walk, if i sit in the wrong position and have had an weight baring on it its horrendous. I'm now walking with a limp and because of that I am getting a lot of foot, shin, ankle pain. This has been going on for 2 years and i'm only 47 so I'm happy to try anything they recommend. Added bonus if it gets me a few weeks off work 😅

It sounds like you’ve already tried all of the non surgical options, I hope you do manage to get some relief from the steroid injection if they can get it in.

If they fuse your toe they usually try to do it in a slightly dorsiflexed position so you have more options in wearing different shoes but you might not be able to wear even small heels. It can be a better option than leaving it to fully fuse on its own over time though because the surgeon has control over the position it ends up in.

I’ve had both big toes fused and I haven’t heard a peep out of them since they healed about 15 years ago. I think you need to get the right surgeon though. If you have a fusion get Peter Rosenfeld at Fortius Clinic to do it if you have insurance or are going private.

That's encouraging.

Can you remember how long they took to heal?

Can you wear anything with a heel? (I know it's not mega important)

You’re in a cast for a few weeks, 2 I think but can’t really remember. And then a boot for 4 weeks. Seem to remember it was 6 weeks ish. Not back to normal but able to wear trainers to walk around in.

To be fair I live in Norfolk where we wear Uggs most of the year because it is so cold. I can’t wear heels now but I am not in pain. Before the operation I was in pain AND couldn’t wear heels so it’s a net gain. X