Big toe fusion after bunion surgery, can I run again?

Hi how are you feeling? I'm 6 1/2 weeks post surgery and I was wondering how long it finally took you? Also did your calf muscle come back?

I also had a severe bunion and had a Weir osteotomy 3 months ago, whereby the big toe joint was fused and pins inserted in the second and third toes. I was told I could walk on my heel immediately, which I did for 8 weeks, and which I don't think was a good idea, because it complicated the healing process. I bought some special shoes with a stiff soul and curved toe (Altra is the brand) and am able to walk around the house daily, but my foot gets swollen and uncomfortable by the end of the day. Taking a jacuzzi bath, with jets directed towards my foot and toes, then putting my foot in a bucket of ice water during the bath, helps the circulation. I started seeing a physical therapist and learned some exercises to promote healing and strengthen the muscles. I have a golf ball and a La Crosse ball that I roll the bottom of my foot on several times a day, among other exercises. I also have a severe bunion on my other foot, but if/when I decide to have surgery, it will be by a podiatrist with 30 years experience, whose speciality is feet, period.  If a fusion of the big toe joint is indicated, then I would request that that toe be bent upwards a certain degree, to insure that I can run, dance, wear at least a 1 or 2-inch heel -- and be able to walk down stairs, which I don't know if I'll ever be able to do normally again, with the surgery I have had. I put off surgery on my foot for 15 years and tried everything to avoid it (bigger shoes, orthodics, etc.). In the end, I think I was better off just living with my bunion, that with the results of this bunion surgery, which I won't know for another year whether it helped me or not. So far, it's been pretty miserable, with no light at the end of the tunnel yet. 

MY TOES ARE FUSING!!!

Hi everyone,

I am posting in here because I have searched and have not been able to find any information that relates to me. So I am hoping there maybe someone that can give me insight and or guidance.

I have an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS). Ankylosing means fusing of bone and Spodylitis is the spine. Fusing of the spine. AS however can affect other areas of the bady as well: shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet. Sometimes the eyes can become involved (known as Iritis or Uveitis). So far it has totally fused my neck from C1 to C7 and is moving downward, it is also moving upward from my SI joint, so eventually, my whole spine will be fused. AS is also attacking my hands and feet. Most of my toes are fusing or already fused. My tow big toes are all that is left that hasn't fused, but they are starting to fuse now. 

Does anyone have any insight as to what i can expect once all my toes are completely fused? Right now I am having an extremely hard and painful time walking. About 8 months ago, my Dr. told me that I am not allowed to run or jog any more, because I could break my neck due to the head motion. So I have no clue as to what I am in for once my toes are all fused.

I read with horror some of the stories, but I am also interested in

the bunion surgery saga.  It has been suggested that I have a

large toe "implant" and haven't seen anything concerning the

implant.  If anyone has any input in that area, PLEASE comment. 

I'm hoping the implant is as good as the fusion.  At least I don't

have to be off my feet !!!

Don't despair.  My doctor said I will be able to walk, dance, run, etc. and do just about anything I want, except to wear really high heels.  Good luck.

I am due to have my toe fused in 2 weeks, im now in 2 minds after reading all these comments.

I would hate to not wear heels again, i had an op 2 years ago to shave the bone, recovery was quick and i went back to work on a hospital ward after 2 weeks but i am scared that the fusion will just take such a long time for recovery

Its been a year for me withone thing after the other, Suppose to be simple proceedure as I was the perfect candiadate.  I was told I could continue to be active, just would be able to run,

My operation the infusion never healed.  I have been seeing an physicotherpist  for over a year so I can walk and deal with constant pain and if i do not go my foot swells and i cannot walk.

Very unhappy and it ruined my life!!! I am hopeful and presently waiting for corrective surgery to remove mental parts and yes its a different specialist this time, the other one retired. 

I continue to learn about this condition and yes I did everything doctors told me because I was determine to be in best possible health andlife style, I am very active person and this stopped me from my life for over a year and counting,

WHat I found about shoes etc footwear is I cannot wear anything I had they are all boxed up! I had to buy certain kind of foot wear and sneakers are one size bigger.

Nothing is the same,even curves of sneakers........takes to learn this but you can check out shoe shops etc to find ones your foot can walk in.

Upsetting it is and continues to be. My boots strechers work well you walk with less pain and they give you spport for foot. 

So I was told once infusion you never run again, but a I heard a physiotherpist tell the group  there are inserts for foot wear that could help you. Otherwise never run again.

interesting it is and it isnt over for me yet so i will continue to learn and am hopeful to correct my situation and learn what works becuase of wanting my active health lifestyle back.

i had my big toe fused 4 weeks ago, i spent 2 weeks with my foot up solid the third week bored but stiches out and the 4th week swiming, anything to help with the weight gain!, im still using the (shoe) but can put a loose trainer on for driving (automatic) i have LOADS of brand new heels that i need to fit into and will be gutted if i cant! I understand theres a plate of some sort in my foot but im sure someone said that it is possible to wear heels again? so im constantly trying to bend my toe hoping that streaching it will help? ANY feedback from anyone on shoes, running and better quality of life after this surgery would be amazing! that is why we did it, right?