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hallux valgus fusion of mtp joint

Posted , 22 users are following.

fiona41154
fiona41154

I am due to have an op on my hallux valgus next week, the mtp joint us going to be fused, I do a lot of walking & am worried I will not be able to keep this up once I've recovered. I walk up to 8-10 miles, anyone any experience of this? 

2 likes, 48 replies

48 Replies

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  • helen47482
    helen47482 fiona41154

    Posted

    Hi Fiona, hope your getting on ok. I had an appointment with specialist yesterday and am going in for MTP fusion in the next couple of months. I've got 2 boys under 10 years and 2 dogs so I'm very active person. I'm just concerned and hope I've made the right decision. So please keep me informed how as to how your getting on and from what I've read I hope your sitting with your feet up! Helen
    • caroline38772
      caroline38772 helen47482

      Posted

      Helen, in the long term you will have made the right decision, but, like all recovery situations you wonder why you have inflicted this on yourself. I'm  known for not sitting in one place for more than 5 mins, and at 60 work full time and walk back (4 miles) from work everyday - or I used to. Bilateral lapidus + Atkins and shaved joints, tendon release on 2 second toes on 27/11/14 means I can only walk 1 to 2 miles once a day, any more and I'm in agony. If your procedure is MIS, then recovery is quicker and less painful. It will be a time to 'let go' and let your boys look after you. Harder done than said, but, write of 3 months and don't expect to be back to normal within 6 months and you'll be fine. Read the posts, in the end lots of happy people.

      caroline xx

    • fiona41154
      fiona41154 helen47482

      Posted

      Hi Helen, I had my op yesterday & yes I am sitting with my foot up! 2 weeks ago I was phoned to say another surgeon was going to operate if I agreed. I did & met him 2 days before my op he said fusion was the op of choice, he would advise any member of his family to have this procedure & said I'd be fine after 6 weeks Shen the 1st surgeon said 6-8 weeks! After my op he said he was pleased with how it went, I jokingly said I suppose a walking holiday in June would be out the question? He said not at all, I would be fine after 6 weeks as I am fit & otherwise healthy - so we shall see!! I am surprised how little pain I am in. It was quite painful when I went to the loo last night but today is fine & I slept reasonably well last night. I know it's early days, but I'll let you know how it goes.
    • helen47482
      helen47482 fiona41154

      Posted

      Thanks for replying, I'm glad it all went well for you. I know my arthritis will just keep getting worse if I don't have it done so I'm 99% sure I'm going to have it done, it is just the recovery that's making me nervous so keep me posted and take it easy! Helen x
    • helen47482
      helen47482 caroline38772

      Posted

      Thanks Caroline, deep down I know I've made the right choice, in the mean time I'm going to be teaching my boys how to make me a decent cup of T! I was a bit clueless when I saw my surgeon so I don't know how he's going to do the procedure but it is only my big toe joint that has the arthritis. He said it would be April-May so I'll ask more at my pre-op assessment. I'll keep you posted.

      Helen x

    • fiona41154
      fiona41154 helen47482

      Posted

      Helen, I think the overriding message on here is to keep the foot elevated & to be patient, so make sure you have someone to run after you & keep a positive attitude. 

      Foot feels a bit stiff this morning, haven't had any painkillers since 11:30 last night, it's not sore but think I'll take some anyway, just in case! And do my foot/ankle excersises!!! 

    • fiona41154
      fiona41154 helen47482

      Posted

      PS I have also been taking arnica tablets! I like to think they have helped 😜

       

  • fiona41154
    fiona41154

    Posted

    Had my dressing changed one week on, wound healing nicely, but foot swollen (not the wound!) & has been a wee bit sore over last 2 days, they say it's not infected & to keep it raised which I have been. It's looking good, so pleased with that. Now home with my foot up & a cup of tea 😃
  • abbytreasures
    abbytreasures fiona41154

    Posted

    I'd love to hear updates on how all of your procedures went and details of the recovery too.   Fiona, how did you fair after that one week post-op?
    • jonathan_38245
      jonathan_38245 abbytreasures

      Posted

      Hi,

      Just found this thread. I had fusion of big toe 12.5 months ago and still having massive problems. In constant pain and has affected my life a lot. I have been told rigid shoes but even in them it causes pain. Please can anyone offer any Advice on footwear after fusion etc .... I'm desperate

  • Lionellionel
    Lionellionel fiona41154

    Posted

    I would be interested to hear from anyone who had an MTP joint fusion with the big toe set in a 'sticking up' position, making it impossible to wear a normal closed toe shoe. Sandals are ok in the summer but I'm having trouble at this time of year. Any info on 'botched' operations please?

  • dayres0969
    dayres0969 fiona41154

    Posted

    Hi guys so I am a week out from my two toe fusion. Lucky fat toe got 5 screws and a plate. Lucky toe number toe number two got two screws. Pain wise not too bad when compared to my lower back fusion three years ago. Actually cake walk compared to that. My advice is do EXACTLY what your doctor tells you to do. Do not rush your recovery! And by all means wear your boot as long as they tell you to wear it. I am In mine 24/7 for the next 5-6 months. hang in there by the time you know it. Summer will be here and hello sandals. Love all of you my CHRISTIAN BROTHERS $' sisters!!!

    • dayres0969
      dayres0969

      Posted

      The only residual pain I have from my foot surgery is horrible shocking nerve like pain on my left toe. I have neuropathy so I know what it looks like. I think if we resolved this issue, i would almost be pain tolerant with mild pain medication
  • Debbie1601
    Debbie1601 fiona41154

    Posted

    I too am left with my big toe at attention.  It stands up (2nd Joint) at about 45 -50 degrees.  It would be funny however I am walking on bone underneath.  I am 3 years post MTP joint fusion.  I have been afraid of a 2nd surgery because the nerves in my foot went so crazy after surgery I was almost diagnosed as having CRPS.  It's too late to have tendon lengthening.  I have a surgeon that recommends tendon release (clipping). I have mild drop foot from another condition so I am concerned about the release.

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