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Cartiva - Has anyone had it?

Posted , 157 users are following.

krista4435
krista4435

I'm looking looking at looking at getting looking at getting this. Anyone with experience here?

4 likes, 836 replies

836 Replies

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  • maria27739
    maria27739 krista4435

    Posted

    Hello, Had Cartiva procedure on my right foot on October 11. So far can not complain. I thank everyone who has written and provided information for us new comers.  My next issue will be bathing, tired of sponge baths. I had the nerve block after the procedure which lasted almost 48 hours while taking the two opioids, which I stoped on my third day. At times I might feel pain on my foot and I find moving or twist myfoot helps. I do want to return to work within two weeks, let’s see. Thank you Maria from Florida
    • nancy0814
      nancy0814 maria27739

      Posted

      You will be able to go back to work at week 3. You will be fine. I started driving on the first day of week 3. I am 12 weeks and some days it still hurts and other days I am ok.  Its an up and down ride. .
    • Chocolady88
      Chocolady88 maria27739

      Posted

      I bought, in the local drug store,  a cast cover and took a shower on the first day.  Works great.
  • J000dy
    J000dy krista4435

    Posted

    Had cartiva implants on both feet - the first lesser toe next to the grater toe on both feet two weeks ago. Doing great and no pain in the feet just some tingling sometimes! I was put in walking boots right out of surgery and wear them 24/7. Set with feet up and iced for most of the fisrt week! I was given a block behind each knee before surgery and they lasted about 30 hours after that just took extra strength tylenol for a couple days. My one issues now is my legs are sore and ache some. I am sure this is caused by the way I walk with the boots! I have enjoyed reading others experiences! Thank you! Good luck to all that have or are having this done! 
  • Chocolady88
    Chocolady88 krista4435

    Posted

    Update!  Had it done 10 days ago.  First 3 days I took "heavy" medication and iced a lot but did ankle exercises - gently.  Was able to "gently" walk with special sandal.   first 2 days went down the stairs on my butt  smile

    from the 4th day on  just took Tylenol or Advil as needed - about twice a day.

    on the 7th day - stitches and bandage out and off.  I must have done something right since the swelling was minimal.  I received this computerized ice machine that deliver cold compresses and pressure against blood clots - great idea and insurance covers it.  ( I even have a picture of my open toe with the implant in it - I asked the Dr. for it.....smile  )

    On the 10th day ventured on a short walk with slippers - I hate the sandal.  Can't walk with it and it stops the toe exercise when walking.  As a whole - so happy I did it.

    Note:  I also had the bone spur shaved.  Can't wait to start driving.......

  • amanda2598
    amanda2598 krista4435

    Posted

    I had the cartiva surgery in April of this year. I have probably gone back to see my surgeon 4 times since because I'm still having some discomfort. I was having pain on the ball of my foot so he gave me small, crappy inserts that made the pain worse so I stopped wearing it. I did 2 xrays which he said looked normal. Its gotten a little better since that issue which was maybe 2 months ago but I still can't wear shoes with any heel and if I push on the top of my toe even a little bit, it hurts. I would think after this long I wouldn't have any soreness or pain. Does anyone else have pain after having the surgery 6 months ago or longer?

    • karen80368
      karen80368 amanda2598

      Posted

      I am only 3 1/2 weeks post op but have that big toe pain when trying to bear weight on it. Mine is definitely related to swelling, tight tendon, time will tell but I also think part of mine will be arthritis that was in sesmoid articulation which is at ball of foot. I think you need to give the cartiva a full year, I was told 6-9 months of post op swelling and pain
    • krista4435
      krista4435 amanda2598

      Posted

      Hi Amanda2598,

      I had it in April as well. I still have pain. I also have no increase in ROM and a severe decrease (it doesn't move at all) down from neutral.I was told it would go down - but I highly doubt it.

      My mtp joint pain is decreased but now I have soft tissue pain and the joint does eventually hurt if I walk too much. I'm hoping this will eventually get better.

      The sesamoids on the ball of my surgery foot are not very comfortable either. It's not really bad but not as good as my good foot.

      Not sure this helps but 'I feel your pain'.

      I'm trying a new physio to see if they can help. If not I will have to try to get back to see my doc. Mine is far away...so not easy.

    • Terry_Maddux
      Terry_Maddux karen80368

      Posted

      That makes me feel a little better...I am a little over a month post op and even though the pain is much less, I am still having A LOT of stiffness and pain when I try to bend at that joint.  It is a little discouraging to say the least, but it seems as if this is a longer recovery than what I had ever imagined.  I have not been released into tennis shoes yet (hopefully at my next appt.) and I haven't been released to do any exercising.  My toe still hurts when trying to bend it, but it is getting better. I have to have my other foot done too - but not until next year sometime.

  • gary43276
    gary43276 krista4435

    Posted

    I had Cartiva implants in both my big toe joints done last Thursday (26th Oct).

    I’m only suffering very slight achy pain in my toes now but the movement I have is so much better than before.

    The boots (ProCare) have taken a while to get used to but Ive sort of got the hang of it now.  I’m off all the pain relief drugs I was prescribed and am due to to have my stitches out on Fri 10th Nov.  I know it’s early days for me but so far so good ??

    • H2Owoman
      H2Owoman gary43276

      Posted

      That is GREAT!! Glad you got both done at once, I think it is much easier.  I can't imagine 2x surgery, post op visits, physical therapy, etc.  Plus bonus.......you have matching shoes!  You don't have to worry about the awkward walk associated with finding another shoe to match height,etc.

    • gary43276
      gary43276 H2Owoman

      Posted

      Stitches out today, total game changer for me.  So happy I went through this very inconvenient procedure but I have to say I’m not pain free when I’m putting my weight through the front of my feet!

      My little big toe exercises hurt as well but absolutely nothing compared to my suffering before 👍

      My surgeon here in the UK has been to many research & trial meetings and he did mention that it seems these Cartiva implants work better on men than women? How true that is I don’t know but it maybe due to the fact that men’s bones are stronger/denser than women’s. I’ll be having a follow up appointment in four weeks time so fingers crossed things continue to improve for me.

    • NancyMN
      NancyMN gary43276

      Posted

      Hi Gary,

      Thank you so much for passing on the info that cartiva results are different--and better--in men.  First I've heard about that and it's important to know.

      Nancy

  • LindaD13
    LindaD13 krista4435

    Posted

    Hi I had Cartiva implant put into my thumb for severe OA and it’s been wonderful I am awaiting my other thumb now. Cannot recommend it enough x
    • karen80368
      karen80368 LindaD13

      Posted

      Are you outside the US? I was just wondering where you had this done. Glad it helped you
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