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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: Robster on 19:47:39, 06/02/19

Title: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: Robster on 19:47:39, 06/02/19
Hi all,


This is a bit specific, so I'm sorry that it won't apply to all, but I was looking at an old thread in here that seems to have closed now.  I'm interested in gaining some experience from people who have had a big toe fusion operation and how it has affected your walking/running, both from a hiking perspective, but also day to day walking.  I am 42, very fit and active, with a young family and have injury related arthritis in my left big toe.  My surgeon has said that due to the joint damage the only option is to have it fused.  Naturally I am concerned about the long term effects of this.  I have read that pain can be experienced in other joints that take the load originally taken by the toe.  With my toe getting stiffer (and more painful) month by month now, I already walk with a slight limp - after the operation is a permanent limp inevitable.  Have people been able (or tried) to run very much?


Thanks in advance for any experience you may be able to share.


Rob.
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: phil1960 on 20:02:41, 06/02/19
There are a couple of us with the same issue to varying degrees, myself included, but have not had a fusion. However Jontea of this forum has so hopefully he will see this and advise you.

Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: Robster on 20:05:22, 06/02/19
Thank you Phil, I will look out for Jontea's reply.
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: sussamb on 21:40:24, 06/02/19
I too had injury related stiff/arthritic big toes.  Initially they were treated with cortisone injections every six months or so, but now they've fused on their own and I'm pain free, have no issues walking and definitely no limp, although I never did.
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: jontea on 22:07:31, 06/02/19

Hi Rob, yes I can certainly sympathise with you on toe joint pain.


Right up to the point of having my operation, my surgeon didn’t know whether I would need a fusion or a cheilectomy. He opted for the cheilectomy.


So unfortunately Rob, I can’t help with fusion information, but you might be interested in a blog I wrote about my story which might help in some way from the link below.


Hope this helps  O0    




http://johntrowsdale.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-cheilectomy.html?m=1 (http://johntrowsdale.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-cheilectomy.html?m=1)
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: Slogger on 15:34:54, 07/02/19
Can't help with the fusion, but surgeons always seem to want to cut you open afterall that's their joib! That obviosly may be the only option for a pain free toe joint, however a good pal of mine, a good runner,  had long term big problem with his back several years ago. He was eventually listed for a spine fusion operation but changed his mind just before going into theatre, AND FLED THE HOSPITAL. He found alternative ways of managing his back and continues to be a very good runner.I have an arthritic big toe joint, so does my wife , we both get substantial pain relief just by using Voltarol Gel three times daily when reqired, although i appreciatte your problem may well be beyond this kind of help, but worth trying if not done so already.
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: pdstsp on 19:48:56, 07/02/19
Great blog entry Jontea , it is great to read real people's experiences, I wish I'd found something similar when I bust my pelvis a few years ago. 
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: jontea on 06:43:22, 08/02/19
Great blog entry Jontea , it is great to read real people's experiences, I wish I'd found something similar when I bust my pelvis a few years ago.


 O0
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: Innominate Man on 12:17:00, 08/02/19
Great blog entry Jontea , it is great to read real people's experiences, I wish I'd found something similar when I bust my pelvis a few years ago.
+1 
As I have a stiff big toe joint this makes very interesting reading. I really need to find out what is causing my problem.
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: Robster on 15:13:29, 08/02/19
Thanks everyone for your replies. And thanks Jontea for the blog link - I’ll take a look at that.



Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: plridgway on 16:27:22, 13/08/21
Hi Rob, yes I can certainly sympathise with you on toe joint pain.


Right up to the point of having my operation, my surgeon didn’t know whether I would need a fusion or a cheilectomy. He opted for the cheilectomy.


So unfortunately Rob, I can’t help with fusion information, but you might be interested in a blog I wrote about my story which might help in some way from the link below.


Hope this helps  O0  



Hello Jontea,

I have the Hallus Rigidus problem too.
How is your Cheilectomy holding up?   Was your surgeon a podiatrist (DPM) or an orthopedic surgeon (MD)?
Title: Re: Walking after big toe fusion
Post by: jontea on 18:18:53, 13/08/21
Hi there,


Yeah absolutely fine, I never think about the toe now. Still walking and scrambling up mountains.


My consultant was a orthopaedic surgeon. Obviously he did a great job.
Although looking back, complete recovery was about 10 months to a year.


If you haven't read the blog, it's here


https://johntrowsdale.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-cheilectomy.html?m=1 (https://johntrowsdale.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-cheilectomy.html?m=1)