Bunions...? Arthritic toe...?

Pollycat

Hi
I'm not asking for medical advice, just after actual experiences.

Background:

I have very bad bunions, 4th generation woman all with the same foot problem with the 5th generation already starting to show signs.

I've seen NHS Podiatry and have been given 2 choices of procedures:

• Hallux Valgus (procedure lapidus, fusion of first metatarsal cuneiform) which the information leaflet supplied says is for bunions.
• Hallux Rigidus - 1st MTPJ Arthrodesis fusion which the information says is for arthritic big toe joint.

Apparently, the latter procedure is also used as a method of correcting bunions.

The first procedure is more complex with longer recovery time and slightly more risk.

The benefit for me is that the 2nd option means that the bunions would never recur.

I'm asking for anyone's experience of having their big toe fused.
I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone who has had this procedure to correct bunions.
Apparently, they leave the top joint moveable and set the toe pointing slightly upwards.


Do you have any issues walking?
Any pain?

I do walk a fair amount round the village and am concerned that a rigid big toe would possibly cause me issues but I described my lifestyle to the podiatry person I saw last and she said in my position that would be the option she would choose.
I had a different answer from the first person I saw so am suitably confused and know I need to make the right choice for me.

Thanks in advance

Dizzy_Ditzy

I saw a professor consultant a couple of years ago and he offered me surgery provided that I did not opt for fusion as it does not work long term and that a lot of his patients were revision fusions. I went in with plantar faciitis and came out with hallux valgus :eek:

He did offer me a chielectomy though. I need it on both big toes and he said that he would do both without the need for walking aids. I havent had it done yet as it hasnt given me too many problems yet but when the time comes, I will be going for chielectomy


*Disclaimer - this is not medical advice, this is me letting you know what my experience has been :cool:

Pollycat

Hi
Thanks for your reply.

Lordy!
Your comments on fusion possibly contradict what I was told i.e. my bunions would never come back.

I've googled a fair bit and I can't find much about toe fusion as a remedy for bunions.

I have lots of movement in my big toe, so that's one of the reasons I'm against option 1.

Ho hum.

This is all so unexpected as I expected to go for consultation and be told 'you need this operation'. So I'm in a flat spin.

Sorry to hear about your issues.
Hope the operation goes well when you decide you're ready.

Thanks again for sharing your experience.