Pain 4 months after big toe fusion

Posted , 6 users are following.

I just hit the 4 month post surgery mark and I am still having moderate pain on a daily basis.

Is this normal? Most of the pain is under the big toe, it is usually a deep burning pain. I had a horrible time finding shoes that were comfortable and finally my doctor told me to buy Orthofeet diabetic shoes in wide. These seem to be ok but no matter what shoe I wear I am in constant pain, only when I take shoes and socks off do I get some relief from pain. I’m hoping it’s just a time thing and that eventually it will all settle down. I see my foot surgeon next week and want to get some answers. 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I am a year on from big toe fusion surgery and I was experiencing pain all over my foot and ankle for at least six months. I really wouldn't worry too much at this stage as recovery is quite slow unfortunately. I am sure that your surgeon will be able to reassure you.

    I sympathise with your difficulties in finding comfortable shoes. I remember those days,   but feel heartened by the fact that on holiday I am now able to wear pretty summer sandals with a small heel! You'll get there - as you say, it's just a matter of time!

    • Posted

      Thank you Angela for the reassuring post. I don’t have any ankle pain but all the other toes and top of foot has some degree of pain all day.  It will be nice to wear a pretty shoe or sandal again.  But mostly I look forward to be able to take my dogs for walks again without being in horrible pain. 
  • Posted

    Hi, exactly same thing happened to me after a fusion. The burning pain underneath was horrible. I had a scan and it was a Morton’s neuroma. It happens due to the way you walk after surgery. I had to have the nerve removed. Ask your doc about it. Good luck. 
  • Posted

    Hi Jude, I'm just wondering how you are doing by now.  I had a big toe fusion -- on one foot 2 months ago, the other 3 months ago.  I was so happy to get out of the 2nd surgical shoe a few days ago, and now that I am in two normal (yes -- very wide) shoes, my feet are SO sore.  I have a lot of discomfort at the base of the big toe as I'm walking, worse on the more recently operated foot.  And I have to do a fair amount of walking due to my job.  Of course, my one foot is still pretty swollen.  I guess I knew there was a 2 month recovery period & I would be in a surgical shoe for that time, and quite honestly, I didn't really have pain and was walking around way better than I've been for the last several days!  The doctor didn't really tell me much about what to expect after that.  He just told me to wear supportive shoes and come back in a month.  Hoping to hear you've had a major improvement by now!

  • Posted

    its now three weeks since my toe fusion and i no pain at all, even putting near on full weight on my foot.

    I feel a bit of a fraud using crutches as theres no pain.

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