Fusion of big toe

josiec

Hi everyone, hello to anybody new since I've last posted (I've been lying low for a while, but have been reading other people's posts!) I wondered, does anyone have any experience of having a big toe fusion? We are at the stage of beginning to consider if this would be a good option, although my consultant wonders if I'm too young really (I don't agree!) If it gets rid of the pain, it may well be worth it! On a vanity note, can you wear standard-fitting shoes afterwards? I can accept I'll never wear high heels again, but would love to escape from the extra-deep shoes and insoles!
Josie

lindalegs

Hi Josie,

My toes have fused theirselves and not in brilliant positions - I have to wear surgical shoes and boots with rocker soles because of the lack of movement in my toes. The problem is this footwear is so ugly and wearing a skirt or dress is not a pretty sight - I think as women we don't feel quite dressed up until we have shoes with heels on - but comfort counts for me nowadays. Alot of people on here can advise you where to get comfortable and 'nice' looking shoes from.

All I would say regarding your toe fusion is that think about it carefully because once it's done there's no going back.

Luv Legs

josiec

lindalegs wrote:

Hi Josie,

My toes have fused theirselves and not in brilliant positions - I have to wear surgical shoes and boots with rocker soles because of the lack of movement in my toes. The problem is this footwear is so ugly and wearing a skirt or dress is not a pretty sight - I think as women we don't feel quite dressed up until we have shoes with heels on - but comfort counts for me nowadays. Alot of people on here can advise you where to get comfortable and 'nice' looking shoes from.

All I would say regarding your toe fusion is that think about it carefully because once it's done there's no going back.

Luv Legs

Thanks for your reply. My toe is also fusing itself but I still have a lot of pain in it. I have had extra deep trainers (prefer them to the shos but still ugly) insoles and rocker soles provided, which help but do not allow me to walk without pain. I've had steriods injected twice, which help but of course wear off eventually. I feel that at 31, I'm too young to have my mobility affected so much if I could possibly do something about it. I would only consider surgery for pain relief but if it meant I could have a wider choice of shoes I would be very pleased-I hate being so limited. Today I've worn my furry boots at work as my feet were so cold, but they don't fit insoles in and I'm paying for it now! Thanks for help!

airwave

Hi,
The big thing to remember is that you don't get something for nothing.

I had the first one done 11 years ago when I was 42, the toe is up at an angle to allow you to roll forward, so you need a size larger shoe. All the weight has gone onto my other toe joints, so they hurt as well now, I also get spurious pains which are very painful. I tend to walk a bit flat footed.

My second one was done three years ago but they put a ceramic joint in which due to osteoporosis failed to hold, they have taken that out and because they shortened the bones to get the joint in, are now to short to be fused. I have a space now! Again, all the weight goes on my smaller toe joints, which hurt as well now.

Softer but supportive trainer type shoes seem to be the name of the game, a stick helps on longer walks, although I went back to work after 6 months, I was medically retired two years later. Physio have stated they won't touch me for fear of upsetting the foot, the shaped soles, provided by the pediatrist, cause more pain. The private ones won't offer help either.

A friend had hers done and she shops for GB, would get a 'GOLD' I think, if it ever became a competition! So, different for everyone, just remember the first line.

8) Its a grin, honest.