Big toe fusion after bunion surgery, can I run again?
Posted , 54 users are following.
I had a buionectomy about 8 weeks ago. It was a severe bunion that could only be corrected by fusing my big toe straight as my whole foot was deformed. While it looks better I am still very swolen and can not wear any shoes. Will I ever be able to run or dance again since I will never be able to bend my toe at the joint. Any advise would be so appreciated.
1 like, 163 replies
Mishe55 beachybeach
Posted
I had the same surgery plus forefoot reconstruction also about 8 weeks ago. My foot is still quite tender and swells a little so I am in post op shoe and do not expect to be in shoes for another 4-6 weeks. I expect to have swelling for another may be 6 months and hopefully return back to more or less normal within a year post surgery. I have had a lot of orthopeadic surgery in my life and had to learn to be patient and realistic. I do believe that a big toe fusion should not stop you from dancing and runing but perhaps not at a competition level. However, in my expereince it is most likely that there will be other difficulties to arise later like arthritis in other joints. This is simply because fusion puts extra pressure on other joints.
beachybeach Mishe55
Posted
So I shall just think wellness thoughts and again thanks for your feedback.
Mishe55 beachybeach
Posted
I cannot put full weight on the big toe and the bones in my mid foot are not healed yet so I do limp around and only in a post op boot which has completely stiff sole
My big toe hurts a lot if I move it even slightly eg while washing my feet.
But I consider it normal and am not worried.
The part under your toe will lose sensitivity over time so don't force anything, slowly and gently is really the way. I walk probably 3 hours per day and that is quite a lot so if you do less it is fine too. The main thing is to note how much you do today and compare it to may be a week or two ago and you should see that you are making progress just perhaps not as speedy as you would like. To be honest I find the progress slow too but what choice do we have. So onwards and upwards and remember how it was two weeks ago.
All the best
Lynn7777 beachybeach
Posted
jonathan_38245 Lynn7777
Posted
Hi Lynn ,
I've had a fusion and in agony after a year. What shoes are you running in ? Stiff soled , rocker sole or general trainers ?
In desperate need of advice surgeons and all physios seem clueless at aftercare
anita51180 beachybeach
Posted
Mishe55 beachybeach
Posted
lori15839 Mishe55
Posted
Did you walk 3 hours a day at 9 weeks post surgery? i am 7 weeks post surgery and can only walk about 15min at a time i am a runner and this has been frustrating hoping for some positive feedback 😃
christine96133 beachybeach
Posted
I started running again after about 9 months, I had to get used to running differentlyand took it very conservatively as I wasn't sure I should be doing this. The toe was set with a slight turn up at the end so that I could still round off but I had a flat footed sort of gait - probably I was protecting it unkinowingly. I had used to run Half and full marathons but am really happy at 59 years to still be able to run. I tend to run distance between 3 and 10 miles and am currently coaching a group of beginners.
david_05096 beachybeach
Posted
Pat36736 beachybeach
Posted
lisa54656 Pat36736
Posted
jenny71055 lisa54656
Posted
valerie91942 Pat36736
Posted
jan67244 Pat36736
Posted
I had my big toe fused years ago. The only shoes I find comfortable in are fitflops, boots and trainers. Ok in summer with sandals and flip flops but I am thinking of saving to have a complete new joint put in , approx £3k. I'm short and my husband is tall, loved my heels. Cannot walk far without big toe and bones over the other toes hurting but ibulieve gel helps. But I used to fall before I had the op. So learning to get on with it. Regards Jan.
Knighthawk lisa54656
Posted
Lisa,
I am 8+ weeks post op big toe fusion, and concerned that I'll regret this decision. I love to hike and run. I'm walking ok but scared to walk directly on the joint even though my doctor told me I can gradually put weight on it. Do you still have regrets? How long before you could get back to your normal activity level? Thanks in advance.
Aaron