Bunion Surgery arthrodesis (joint fusion)

[eosmum]

Just wondering if anyone had this done? Advised against bunionectomy as it will only last a couple of years before it comes back. I have flat feet and there is already arthritis in the toe. There isn’t really an alternative as the bone is starting to push my second toe out of place, injections wouldn’t stop that. I will also have a bunionectomy on the little toe on the same foot. Anyone any experience of this? TIA.

I haven't had it myself, but if you already have arthritis in the joint and the bunion is starting to push the second toe out of place, I can understand why they're suggesting fusion rather than a standard bunion operation.
From what I've heard, people often find the recovery from a fusion longer than they expected, but many are very pleased to be rid of the pain afterwards. The idea of losing movement in the big toe can sound quite daunting, but if the joint is already painful and arthritic, there may not be much comfortable movement left anyway.
It would be really helpful to hear from anyone who has had a first MTP joint fusion, particularly how long recovery took and whether they were happy with the outcome.

I had a fusion of my big toe done plus a mid foot fusion a few years ago, the difference was incredible. 12 weeks non weight bearing, but so worth it. No pain now at all. Wouldn’t hesitate it if I needed the other foot done for the end result .

I had an ankle fusion three and a half years ago, due to abnormally rapid arthritis growth over an old break.
Don't underestimate the amount of support you’ll likely need during the non-weight bearing stage and consider that life may become difficult for a while after as your muscles with atrophy.
But the relief from pain is so liberating!

Thank you all so much. That’s really helpful. I can manage the pain at the moment if I’m very very careful, but any change to walking routine or change of shoe and it’s agony. I’ll probably have to go for it.