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Hallux Rigidus - surgery options

Posted , 5 users are following.

alrick
alrick

For years i've had pain when walking anything more than a couple of miles due arthritis in both my big toe joints.  At rest no problem.  Given I enjoy hill walking it's annoying!   Saw a consultant who recommended toe joint replacements or fusion but I'm worried about the quality of the outcome versus where I am now.  I wonder if anyone out there has got any experience.  (particularly hikers! - actually any views gratefully received) thanks

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • lindleyk
    lindleyk alrick

    Posted

    Might another option be physical therapy, or a combo of cortisone shots and PT?
  • Hilly123
    Hilly123 alrick

    Posted

    Hi Alrick, I think that fusion will be very restrictive, physio is a waste of time but will kepp an NHS worker in job, I suppose :-(, and cortisone injections are a short term fix. Curios about the toe joint replacement though. I think that is worth finding out more about as I really do not know enough about it.
  • joyce16553
    joyce16553 alrick

    Posted

    I say, "Don't do it."  Unless you are in your 20's or 30's.  I had bunion pain for a couple of years so went for the surgery June 9.  I am still praying that I'll go back to the simple pain I had before the surgery, compared to the discomfort and hassle of this operation.  I still cannot fit into any normal shoe, and my foot still swells and is in pain.  I wish someone had told me not to do it.  I'm very athletic and haven't worked out in 12 weeks! Torture for me.
    • eileenf
      eileenf joyce16553

      Posted

      Joyce

      Keep going- the pain does go eventually! I'm now 6 months post op and my feet have finally settled down. I'm back to walking and managed two three mile walks this weekend without my feet hurting at all. It's taken a very long time for my feet to settle and I was surprised at this but it does get better.

      I had both feet done at once -aitken and scarf osteomy done by the NHS in Perth, Scotland. My toes were pinned rather than fused but I think it depends on how bad your toes are.

       

    • joyce16553
      joyce16553 eileenf

      Posted

      Thank you so much, Eileen.  That's encouraging. Unfortunately I only had one done and after all this, I doubt I'll have the other done unless it becomes painful. Good luck!
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