My body has been working on this big toe issue for years. I finally decided to see what it was and what I could do about it.
I have two choices: fusing or a lesser procedure called cheilectomy.
I am looking for feedback from anyone who has had either of these procedures done.
After a 4 year wait, I finally had a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. He said I was a good candidate for cheilectomy. But after reading all the horror stories on these boards, I wonder if I should even have this surgery!
Most days, my pain is tolerable. I walk quite a bit, try to run at least twice a week and cycle every day. The running part is the worst : the most I can do now is 15 minutes. But I love running! Even had the fantasy of running a marathon before I turn 50. That's why I am considering surgery. I hope to regain a little range of motion and lower pain.
Has anyone had good results? Is it possible to run after a cheilectomy? How long does it take to be able to run again after surgery? Does the bone spurs grow back? How is the long term prognosis?
I'm 48 years old and can't keep up with my mom who is 74 ... I have to do something! Can anyone help me decide if cheilectomy is right for me?
I had surgery the middle of last year for suspected HR. Decompression osteotomy with Cheilectomy had a few problems with the recovery and had to have revision surgery which included further cheilectomy and debridement.
11 weeks post 2nd surgery and still getting swelling and some joint pain which is different than the before the initial surgery.
I have read that swelling can last anywhere up to a year. My worry is the joint ache and pain. I'm not sure if this is post op healing raw bone etc. Or is it something else.
Does anyone here have similar experience of HR surgery and did they eventually get rid of the pain?
I have moderate hallux rigidus and am interested in investigating having cheilectomy surgery done by the minimally invasive, keyhole method. I don't normally have pain whilst walking but the lump rubs up against shoes, aches and limits the sort of footgear I can wear. I should love to be able to wear heels again but do not want to end up in a worse situation post op.
2 questions:
Does anyone have experience they can share of the pros and cons of this newish method of operating ?
Are there centres in Somerset / South West who offer this treatment?
I am due to have a bunion removed next month but because of arthritis in my big toe I am also having a 'fusion'.
I would love to hear from anyone who has had this operation to know their experiences.
Was it very painful - how long off work . what (if any) height heels can be worn after. I have been told maximum of 1 inch - is this correct?
Although my toe/bunion is painful, it is so difficult to know what to do especially as I can find no-one who has had this op?
I went to the doctor yesterday and was informed that I have a severe case of Hallux Rigidus in my right foot and a weaker case in my left. I was left with no other option than to have surgery. Not what I wanted to hear!! Both of my feet ache constantly and I have sharp pain when I put weight on my big toes.
Has anyone had this surgery? What can I expect?
I regret looking online because I saw a bunch of stomach turning pictures. I know I can't continue to have this pain but wasn't expecting this diagnosis. Any help, advice, story sharing or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.
I am told surgery is only option but being alone in ....
View 2 RepliesI had a fusion of my big toe on October 28, 2009. As I approach my first anniversary, I am happy with the results. My joint was severely damaged. The surgeon said I had two choices, cheilectomy and fusion. He did not think the cheilectomy would work for me and if it did, it would only likely last a year. I did some research and realized that I was headed for a fusion. I decided on that and I am glad I did.
My recovery has been good. I did have a couple of scares when the radiologist suggested there might be a bone infection. Fortunately, that turned out not to be the case. I suspect he was confusing healing with signs of infection. At any rate, now that it is a year later, I have pretty much no pain. I am walking every day, usually at least a mile or two each morning. Sometimes I walk up to five or seven miles in one walk. My foot is up for the task. I have started curling for the season now, and my foot is great. The last time I curled, my foot was very sore (pre-surgery). It was so nice to curl without pain! Also, with all my walking, I am in better shape than before, so I curled amazingly well. Scary.
There is some misinformation about fusions I'd like to address: Your gait will be altered with a fusion - my gait was altered by the sore foot and limited range of motion from the arthritis. Now my gait is normal, I toe off the big toe again. That means that now my hip feels better. You won't be able to run or be active - fusion is actually recommended for people who wish to remain active. At least if the foot is damaged beyond a certain point. I am more able to run now than I was pre-surgery because I have a stable foot that does not hurt. Surgery is painful - yes, I had about four days of pain that required medication. After that, as long as I had my foot elevated, I was fine. I think bunion surgery is much more painful
Fusion is certainly a drastic procedure that probably should not be considered lightly. At the same time, if it is the right procedure it is fabulous.
I'm wondering if anyone has had the surgery on both feet at the same time.
View 14 RepliesI had surgery 5 days ago. An implant was placed in the big toe. Still having pain. Saw dr. yesterday (changed dressing) & removing stitches next week. Went to a podiatrist. Does anybody know how long pain will last? I think he said when I return next week, I can drive (it's right foot) wearing a slipper, not the surgical boot. Won't it hurt to drive at this point?
View 14 RepliesI am a 40year old woman. I have suffered from hallux rigidus for the last 6 years because of trauma.
Before surgery (which happened in april 013) I had tried all sorts of medications, injections, magneto therapy, you name it I have done it.
In April 2013 I had an osteotomy (NO cheilectomy) to correct it. After 10 months I can finally say the pain has gotten so much worse.
I can't do many things, my foot hurts even if it is not bearing my weight (not walking). Being so young I don't know what do do.
It is ruining my life, personal life (I can't go anywhere cause whenever I walk I am in so much pain) and professional life.
The doctor that operated suggested to do a cheilectomy or a fusion, but considering the result of this operation I am really scared any new intervention will make things worse.
Can anyone suggest a real expert in Europe? Or any other suggestion, I am really desperate.
Many thanks to all of you for reading my post, and thanks to anyone who would be so nice as to try and suggest someone or something.
Has anyone ever had toe surgery for hallux rigidus using a Hemicap resurfacing procedure? I've been online researching & it seems that this is an implant, but recovery is much faster with this type & from what I can gather, it's an improvement over other methods. Patient testimonials show really fast recoveries, people walking the day after surgery without a surgical shoe & return to work much faster. On my previous post, I noted that I had surgery last week with an implant. The podiatrist said it was a Hemi implant, but I don't think it's the same as this Hemicap. I'm interested in the Hemicap resurfacing because I'm developing pain in the toe on the other foot & plan to get more than one opinion this time.
View 1 RepliesI had surgery 6 weeks ago with an implant for hallux rigidus. Had to call the doctor today (POD) because I'm having pains on the outside of my toe. He said it should have been feeling better & better each day, which it has not done. When I walk for awhile (say at the grocery store) it hurts on the side of that toe and on the bottom part of my foot. He wants me to come in for an x-ray & said I could have a stress fracture. Has anyone taken this long to heal? Comments anyone?
View 5 RepliesHallux Rigidus on both big toes . Surgery is to consist of bone spurs removed and then the existing flap of cartilage will be placed in the space left from deteriorating joints ... My question is this: the doctor and nurses said 4 weeks recovery . I am an independent home assistant which means along with vacuuming, dusting, beds, bathrooms I rearrange furniture and hang pictures, organizing etc... Being self employed and this being my only source of income I very concerned on the REALISTIC HEALING TIME
View 1 RepliesI have severe hallux rigidus in the right foot and moderate in the left foot. I have custom orthotics and wear New Balance shoes. The HR has alleviated a bit in the severe foot, however, now I have knee, hip and back pain after the custom orthotics?
View 3 RepliesOn Dec 3 I had a decompression osteotomy on my right toe for hallux rigidus. My doctor told me I would be running at 2 months and completely back to normal at 3. It is over 2 months and I still have a lot of pain and swelling. Running is out of the question and I am still limping.
I am interested in others' experiences with this surgery. I am supposed to have it done on the other foot as well, but I am simply worried that my right foot may end up worse off than when I started.
I have been diagnosed with hallux rigidus (accompanied by a bone spur, joint space narrowing and mild sesamoiditis). The pain came on suddenly (sharply) in September 3013 and progressed rapidly to constant aching and tenderness by November). Although the podiatrist says the arthritis is "mild", I am definitely concerned that I already have lost joint space. As I am only 45, with a number of additional biomechanical conditions in other areas of my body, its very important for me to avoid any surgery that could potentially throw anything else out of alignment.
I have been closely following success stories of PRP and stem cell therapies and am definitely encouraged by anecdotal evidence (from forums and testimonials, as well as patients I've encountered personally). It appears that with a skilled and experienced practitioner, PRP can kickstart healing, and stem cells can actually help grow back cartilage. There is one physician in Chicago (Hauser at Caring medical) who even treats mild bone spurring with injections of HCl (which helps dissolve it).
I'm wondering if anyone has tried any regenerative therapy for their big toe (or anywhere on the foot - all data can be helpful) and how they fared. Also please write if you are interested and considering it, as it will undoubtedly be helpful to exchange ideas and information.
i have had sjogrens since I was 41 years old, I'm now 74 . I've been told there's nothing can be done for it, it's just as I've got older I ache more and get extremely tired,I do go out walking with my dog to get some exercise, have a sit down , then do a few jobs , then sit down and so forth , sjogrens is not life threatening, but it changes your life completely .but it's nice to keep in touch with people who has this horrible condition.
View 21 RepliesI developed excruciating burning in my bladder within the last two weeks. After ruling out a bladder infection, and after doing much Internet research, my symptoms (burning 24/7) seem to match interstitial cystitis. Has anyone received this diagnosis? It appears that the condition is chronic and very very difficult to treat, and that there are no proven treatment. There are treatments but they are pretty extreme (you can Google them under treating Interstitial Cystitis.)
So what a low blow. Can anyone out there help me? I see a urologist for the first time tomorrow. Can anyone tell me what I am in for to cure this horrible burning?
I was having some bleeding for about 3 weeks and it is being investigated now. I had ultrasound, biopsy (awaiting results) but I am just looking for my options. If they find something bad in the biopsy of course it looks like a hysterectomy. But if nothing shows I,m still stuck with the thick lining and bleeding. I have heard horror stories about the ablation, and I have heard its not a good idea with a previous C-section. My doctor thought I may be lacking progesterone or in fact estrogen dominant. I am currently taking progesterone to help with the bleeding for 10 days. It is working well and I feel great, and other symptoms I was having have stopped. Anyone have a D @ C with or without hormone therapy and did it help. I am 47.5 years old and if I can just coast for a few years until menopause I may be able to avoid a hysterectomy.
View 1 RepliesVaricose veins are in some cases unavoidable. Many times, there are ways to naturally prevent and soothe them.
Get plenty of exercise to get your blood circulating, Elevate your legs on pillows daily for 10 minutes or more, Avoid excess weight gain, Dry-brush your legs daily to improve circulation. (This can prevent varicose veins from forming.) Use a natural-bristle brush with a long handle that allows you to reach all parts of your body. Gently brush your legs from the ankles up in a circular motion. Do this before you shower, so you can wash off any dead skin you brush off. Follow with moisturizer or body oil. Don't brush areas with existing varicose veins because you may irritate them.
Take sociable garlic and vitamin E capsules to improve circulation and vitamin C and B-complex vitamins to strengthen your blood vessels, Massage your legs with upward strokes, flushing your blood up to your heart. Use a massage oil made with 3 drops of lavender oil and 1 drop of peppermint oil in a coconut oil base (use unscented coconut oil), or put only the essential oils into a small spray bottle filled with water and spray directly on your legs.
St. John's wort oil helps with inflammation of veins. Avoid sitting for too long, especially with your legs crossed,
Wear loose clothing.
Try acupuncture or reflexology treatments to get your circulation moving and to move any stagnant energy.
After a bath, apply castor oil directly onto the veins. Massage using upward strokes from your feet straight up your legs. Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time.
Apply a cool compress soaked in witch hazel on your legs. Add a few drops of rosemary oil to stimulate circulation.
Flex your feet up and down and circle your ankles to the left and to the right twice a day.
To help varicose veins, make sure you're getting enough of the following:
Calcium-rich foods, since varicose veins are aggravated by a calcium deficiency
Pineapple, to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cherries, as they contain a pigment that strengthens the walls of the veins
Foods high in fiber Plenty of water, to keep your bowels moving.