Toe bone fusion

[JoeB]

Doc said my big toe bones need fused together to fix missing cartilage and bone deterioration. Has anyone had this done? I'm wondering about long term issues with hiking/packing in mountain terain after this procedure with no movement/bending in my big toe.

 

[camping1601]

I'm interested in this as well. I have an issue with my big toe joint and that was an option for me. Mines arthritis related and doc suggested cleaning it out first and see how that works.

 

[JoeB]

I'm interested in this as well. I have an issue with my big toe joint and that was an option for me. Mines arthritis related and doc suggested cleaning it out first and see how that works.

That was my doctors recomendation several years ago also. I chose the easy way of cortizone shots for years. Now the cartilage is gone from the arthritis and also have bone spurs inside the joint that are grinding and painfull. Im way past tired of the pain hopping to get it fixed then if I can get healed up will go on a mule deer hunt this fall. Looking for feedback on recovery times before I apply for a tag.

 

[camping1601]

I'd post this up in the general section.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

My mom had hers done before thanksgiving and is now getting back into hiking (unweighted, she doesn’t need to carry a pack for anything) and playing pickle ball and says both are going great. Everyone is different though. One of the biggest problems people have is swelling and getting a shoe/boot back on after that procedure. Make sure you’re diligent with elevating, icing, and keeping it wrapped for a few months afterwards. I’d also just plan on buying a new pair of boots as the ones you had previously probably won’t be comfortable.

 

[Bruce55]

Following as I have arthritis in both big toes.


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[journeyman713]

Been there, had the surgery, it was a good thing. Here’s how it went..

After putting off an aching toe for nearly a year, went to the doctor, I thought maybe arthritis or an old injury. He said I needed the fusion surgery mentioned. I refused, and opted for the Cortizone shot instead. He said OK but when I come back, we’ll be talking surgery.

The shot helped for maybe 30 days. I put it off doctor for another nine months.

Doctor asked, what brought me back. I told him the toe injury created a limp, that now is causing hip pain. The last thing I want, is have a hip problem because I’m ignoring my toe, let’s do the surgery. He said that’s the textbook, best answer for surgery.

The first two nights required pain pills to get any sleep at all. After that, it was fine, a removable foot brace for about six weeks, I could take it off when I wasn’t walking.

The swelling took maybe another month to go away, had to wear crocs or very loose shoes.

I’m about a year out now, all is well! Best thing I could’ve done. Should’ve done it sooner.

 

[JoeB]

Been there, had the surgery, it was a good thing. Here’s how it went..

After putting off an aching toe for nearly a year, went to the doctor, I thought maybe arthritis or an old injury. He said I needed the fusion surgery mentioned. I refused, and opted for the Cortizone shot instead. He said OK but when I come back, we’ll be talking surgery.

The shot helped for maybe 30 days. I put it off doctor for another nine months.

Doctor asked, what brought me back. I told him the toe injury created a limp, that now is causing hip pain. The last thing I want, is have a hip problem because I’m ignoring my toe, let’s do the surgery. He said that’s the textbook, best answer for surgery.

The first two nights required pain pills to get any sleep at all. After that, it was fine, a removable foot brace for about six weeks, I could take it off when I wasn’t walking.

The swelling took maybe another month to go away, had to wear crocs or very loose shoes.

I’m about a year out now, all is well! Best thing I could’ve done. Should’ve done it sooner.

You think you would have been able to hike/hunt in mountains of Colorado two to three months post-surgery? Thats about the time I'm looking at before the hunt I'm planning

 

[journeyman713]

Not 2 for sure, your foot would still be too swollen to get it in your boot, 3 would be pushing it.
I did physical therapy, and don’t believe I could do toe push-ups with full weight, at three months.

If you were doing a fall hunt, this would be no problem.

 

[JoeB]

Not 2 for sure, your foot would still be too swollen to get it in your boot, 3 would be pushing it.
I did physical therapy, and don’t believe I could do toe push-ups with full weight, at three months.

If you were doing a fall hunt, this would be no problem.

I looked at the calendar and it will be 3 months and a week or two post surgery when third season Colorado comes in. Sounds like it may be a maybe at best. Probably need to just not put in this year and bump plans back a year on the hunts I have planned the next three years