Cartiva - Has anyone had it?

Do NOTget that implant. I had it removed 5 days ago. I’m already feeling better.

I had this surgery on my left big toe November 2017.  I still have limited range of motion and the joint is still slightly swollen.  After reading these reviews, I am wondering if my surgeon placed mine too deep with is why I still am having problems.  I can wear shoes with a shorter heel (about 2 inches) for short periods of time.  I doubt I will ever be able to wear my 3 to 4 inch heeled shoes ever again which is a bummer.  I actually have forced myself to use the row machine at the gym to help improve the toe's flexibility.  I would have the surgery redone if I am a candidate as I do not want a fusion.  A fusion cannot be reversed.

I had Cartiva surgery 8 months ago. I still have pain in every step, and it may even be getting worse. Now that the swelling is completely gone, I notice that the flexor tendon on top (of the joint) is not visible, as it is on the good foot. This is most evident when I flex my toes upward. Even though I earlier had 9 weeks of PT, I now suspect that the flexor tendon is held captive by scar tissue, and I see no reason why that would not cause pain. Has anyone else noticed this?

I have met more than a few this failed on. My doctor claims no mistake but wants to do it over. Hard call. Plus who pays? If you are not a runner get a fusion. Or sue. 

I am 8 months out and still have pain. Doctor said wait a year. Won't give me pain medication so I resorted to CBD oil and it has helped. I have just been on it for 10 days but a little better with the pain. Going to see after 30 days if this does the trick.

I can relate. My surgery was 2-27-18, so I am way beyond the six month recovery. Has an xray done 6 weeks ago and the implant was not even visible on my xray. My big toe is notwbone rubbing on bone and magically, I have developed arthritis. The bottom of my foot under the big toe is so painful with every step. The doctor told me fusion is the only remedy. I was very active, too and now not at all. The swelling around toe has still not gone down. The only shoes I can wear are Aero platform sandals (very expensive) but it's getting cooler and I have to find a closed toe shoe, which has proven to be almost impossible. Dr. said to wait a year before any other surgery. I obviously won't be going back to him!! This has totally changed my life and I do not recommend it for anyone. I was healthy when I had surgery, and now I limp all the time and am totally out of alignment. I started swimming for exercise but  my internist said I need some strength training (weights) and I have to do everything sitting down. Can't even shop or take a walk. Very disappointed and not sure what my next move will be....

 

I had my operation a year ago. Oct. 2018. in Long Island, NY.

Did a lot of icing, leg raise but started immediately with ankle exercises in bed.

As soon as I was able to drive I started with physical therapy.

It still hurts a little, I was told it might take up to 2 years.

On the other hand - I can do everything sports wise. Wear regular shoes.

I think it depends on the Dr. for results. I'm happy I did the operation.

I'm 8 1/2 months from surgery on both toes. Had a lot of spurs that had to be cleaned out. And the Doc did not straighten the toes.

At first my recovery was incredible. I was driving in two days, working in five days, and playing tennis after 4 weeks. All with the Doc's approval.

However, the pain isn't going away like I had expected. It's way better than it used to be but I feel something with every step. Running is very uncomfortable. Playing tennis is not a problem at all. For some reason I don't feel anything even though I'm really hard on my feet. Go figure.

What I like about the surgery at this point is that I don't feel any pain when resting. There's no swelling, and the pain when walking is uncomfortable but tolerable. Would I do it had I known, yes I would because the only other option for me was fusion. And I'm pretty sure you can't play tennis with fused toes.

Our group in this forum is mostly stories about problems. Does anyone know anyone that has had a successful experience?

went to get a second opinion. Second doctor stated that at a one year mark, results were different. i am at 8 months with pain everyday. There are some days the pain is at a 4 and some days at a 9. i realized when pain was at 4, i was driving or shopping but when at home I was at a pain level 9.

Didn't realize steps were a major problem. I. come down the steps flat footed and go up that way. Have to wait this out 4 more months.