Osteo Arthritis in big toe joint

Posted , 5 users are following.

Can anyone give me some advice please? I have been having steroid injections in my toe joint for the last 2 years (6 so far) and although I was told I could have up to 9, I was recently told that I should just go for surgery and have my toe joint fused - the podiatrist refused to inject anymore.

My toe aches constantly and is very painful if I catch it or accidently bend it and without the injection I am very aware that I am causing problems in my hip, knee & back because of my altered gait. I don't like the sound of fusion but the NHS podiatrists are very definitley pushing the fusion idea (they say I am too young - at 50!!- because the other options only last 5 - 10 years) but the only person I know who has had it done is so disappointed with it that she has refused to go in to have her other toe treated in the same way! 

I have read some posts on another thread which seem to be happy with joint replacements but am not sure if they are all based in the USA - I am in Nottingham in the UK. How do I access someone that could replace the joint rather than fuse it (I realise it may not be available on the NHS and I may have to go privately) Can anyone recommend any particular 'type' of joint replacement available here  and where to go to pursue it? - I don't know where to start!!

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Maria, my friend has had lots of foot ops in UK. She is under Guys Hospital. She reccomends Ali Abbisian and my other friend reccomends Sam Singh. I know Sam has a website. My GP reccomends him too. Its a way to travel but may be worth it if no one knows of one nearer home.
  • Posted

    Hi Maria,

    Please see the discussion that I started, there is a lot of info there on a newer solution that many of us are trying for OA of the MTP joint.

    Look for "Cartiva - Has anyone had it?"

    Krista

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