Hallux Rigidus :: Bone Spur, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) Or Stem Cells?
Jan 26, 2014
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.
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I am a male with what has been diagnosed as Lichen Sclerosus. I am actually unsure that this is correct as I have no white plaques and have not had a biopsy for it. The skin condition was caused by taking fluoroquinolones, a type of antibiotic, and it was initially diagnosed as thrush- after seven months of trying treatments I managed to get rid of this using Eumovate steroid cream. Unfortunately a few weeks later I had to take the same antibiotics and it instantly returned. The doctors were extremely awkward with me from then on and never really listened to me- it seemed a real fight where they always knew best. I had steroid cream damage from taking them in different potencies for another year non-stop, despite me questioning this. The steroid cream actually atrophied my skin to the point that all the blood vessels underneath were raised and visible, they made me lose all feeling in the area it had been applied (sensation was reduced from the altered skin already) and eventually this caused me impotence at the age of 19. Fortunately with time the steroid damage has reduced somewhat and I am no longer impotent, but I have little feeling and still have pain from my condition. Tacrolimus did nothing but I managed to calm it down to an extent, getting rid of blisters using manuka honey, but it didn’t stop pain or swelling so I looked into essential oils. A lot of them calmed the skin but their anti-inflammatory effects didn’t take away the swelling until I looked at inhibiting cox-2. Mixing with Jojoba oil I found that 6 oils inhibited it and reduced swelling and symptoms dramatically, even bringing back sensation to an extent. I became sensitised to 5 of them, meaning I am now only holding on due to Frankincense oil, which I worry I could become sensitised to. I would not still be living if it was not for this. Yet I am not cured, I have little sensation and some pain and the skin is changed and thin. Therefore I cannot have sex and I am extremely self-destructive. I have always been about 5 steps ahead of doctors and had to fight for treatment, it is so under control in appearance due to the Frankincense that some doctors deny I have anything and say it is in my head, but I fought until I was sent to the doctor regarded as the expert dermatologist in the UK who said he could clearly see I had a problem. However he seemingly dismissed all this progress I have made and said I could either use Eumovate or have a circumcision. Now these are invalid options. I certainly cannot use steroids as one treatment destroys my skin now, while circumcision is bad for multiple reasons: I have stretched my foreskin so it retracts, it is the part with most sensation, and I may have to use those antibiotics at some point in the future which would put me back here but with no foreskin. I have recently talked to a doctor and she is writing to people regarding treatments I have asked her to enquire about, namely platelet-rich plasma therapy, stem cell therapy, laser therapy and photodynamic surgery. I was wondering if anybody has had these and if they had seen improvement?
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Hallux 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
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I am experiencing pain on the bottom of my right heel. I have been told by several people that could be several things....a stone bruise, bone spur, heel spur, plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Any ideas?
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I had surgery on June 14, 2011 to remove a bone spur on my left clavicle and to remove arthritis near (but not in) my shoulder joint. It was the worse experience of my life. I was in constant agonizing pain for 2.5 months. Just for the record, I've had two ulnar nerve surgeries on my left AND right elbows and never even needed pain medication. This shoulder surgery apparently did not relieve any of my pain. I still have a dull aching pain through out the day starting in my neck (left side) to my shoulder, and down my bicep to my elbow. I still can not sleep at night, and through out the day while working my shoulder/arm/ neck is killing me. I continue to take an Naproxin and continue to rotate heat and ice. I did physical therapy for the first two months after surgery. My concern is that had arthroscopic surgery, and there was NO rotator damage so why is my shoulder still in pain? My shoulder pops when I do try to rotate it.. and often when I simply reach outward for something..I'm in excruciating pain. I'm a baker, so I am constantly lifting a 34-50lb metal mixing bowl and have to reach many times through out the day. There really is no way to not do my job duties and still retain my job. Any ideas why I'm still having this problem?
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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?
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Has anyone had any good results with stem cells or PRP injections for ankle issues?
I had a OCD lesion repaired with with microfracture and arthroscopy in Dec 2012. I am able to do everything I want to do: running, basketball, crossfit, I just live in constant pain and swelling after activity. My podiatrist recommend a arthrex internal brace surgery to help repair my ATFL that never healed. My ortho in 2012 believed the anterior talofibular ligament would heal on it's own-but mri 2 weeks ago show it still didn't.
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I just wanted to share some news and ask advice. I recently broke my toe two weeks after my operation. Due to that my bunion has returned. I also have a floppy toe after a tendon release on my second toe.. I am due to go back on the. First of Sept to review my foot and discuss another operation. I have A spur on my heel, which has inflamed my Achilles Tendon, after struggling now with various treatments, physio, ultrasound steroid injection and a wait of over a year to see a different Orthopedic Consultant I went to see someone last week.. It appears my tendon is so inflamed no there is no option but to have surgery. One to remove the spur and two to sort out the tendon.. I was quite shocked to get such a prompt diagnoses. Not only am I having surgery but I am booked in for next month. The new consultant has told me no way will I be able to have my bunion on the other foot done until this Is sorted.. He has offered to take on the care of my floppy to and bugnion once I have recovered from the tendon one.. It's all taken me aback and I am in a dilemma what to do re the bunion op.. Keep my original doctor for the bunion one but delay the appointment or switch it all to the one consultant..
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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.
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I am told surgery is only option but being alone in ....
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I 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.
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I'm wondering if anyone has had the surgery on both feet at the same time.
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I 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?
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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?
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I 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.
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December 2013 had a tkr on my right knee, and the day I cam home from the hospital, I complained on I couldn't lay on my right side. After 2 year of cortisone shots, physical therapy and x rays, doctor took an MRI and told me that I have a bone spur and a torn hip lining. Had surgery for that, and I am still in pain now from both the groin area and the hip. Now I am being told that I need a new hip. Not sure that I want to go through that.
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Two years ago I broke my ankle and had pins and plates put in. On Monday I am having them taken out because they are irritating my tendon. I am also having a 'bone spur' basically shaved off and they are going to 'explore' the damage done to the tendon.
When I had them put in I had a general anaesthetic, but I wasn't asked what I'd prefer. This time, at a different hospital I have been.
I don't know what to do for the best. Obviously I can talk about this when I arrive on Monday I'd just like people opinions on which they prefer and why. Or even which they think would be suitable for my surgery.
I was fine after my anaesthetic last time, no side effects etc I just think I feel more comfortable not being 'put to sleep'... just in case. I'm a bit of a worrier!
I am leaning towards opting for the spinal anaesthetic combined with a bit of sedation as I do think I may get anxious. The only thing that is putting me off is what I will hear. Obviously they will be using screwdrivers etc and the thought of hearing them and knowing what they are doing makes me feel a little queasy!
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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.
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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?
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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.
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I 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?
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