Hallux rigidus means "rigid toe" and is a condition where one gets osteophytes (spurs) over the metatarsophalangeal joint (this is the one on the base of your big toe), plus damage to the cartilage of the joint. With time, these cause big toe pain (right at its base), limited dorsiflexion (ability to bend your toe upwards), and there are "lumpy knuckles" that cause aesthetic problems, especially to the ladies (we guys usually do not care that much, although some do....). The condition is developed after acute or chronic trauma, can be genetically conditioned, or - like many things in human medicine - one simply does not know the causes yet.
You will find the history of my recovery on the right side of the page or below if you are viewing this blog on a mobile device. It has a table of contents format, starting on the day of the surgery. Many readers have provided their comments and experiences and asked and answered questions (you can see in the table of contents how 'active' each topic has been so far.
The full history of the recovery can be found here. There is also a Cheilectomy Recovery Survey that allows you to see the experience of others and share your own experience.
This blog was created in real-time; each post was written on an actual day following the surgery (and not retrospectively). You may get a good idea of the post-operative recovery time for a cheilectomy. However, there is an obvious element of variability here, and your healing and recovery may differ.
Your thoughts, comments, or questions to me or other readers are most welcome.
You will find the history of my recovery on the right side of the page or below if you are viewing this blog on a mobile device. It has a table of contents format, starting on the day of the surgery. Many readers have provided their comments and experiences and asked and answered questions (you can see in the table of contents how 'active' each topic has been so far.
The full history of the recovery can be found here. There is also a Cheilectomy Recovery Survey that allows you to see the experience of others and share your own experience.
This blog was created in real-time; each post was written on an actual day following the surgery (and not retrospectively). You may get a good idea of the post-operative recovery time for a cheilectomy. However, there is an obvious element of variability here, and your healing and recovery may differ.
Your thoughts, comments, or questions to me or other readers are most welcome.
This has been a great blog to read. Thank you for capturing your recovery. I was so unsure about the surgery before I had it, and I read such awful things about other's experiences. I was hoping my recovery would be more like yours, and so far it is pretty good. I had a great doctor and I think that makes a difference. Today is day 20 post-op. The stitches came out on day 10 and although I'm still in the post-op shoe I am trying to walk as normally as possible. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but I think that's to be expected. I am waiting a couple more weeks to go back to the gym (I previously worked out 4 days a week) but I feel better every day. I know that things will continue to improve - and again I thank you for blogging about your experience. I really appreciated it!
ReplyDeletehi im indecisive about the surgery, as I have a little baby to take care of, when were you able to got up from bed and walk around house and maybe go for a short walk in the park?
DeleteLet me give you a short answer and a long answer.
DeleteThe short answer: If you are breastfeeding, or if you have no one to help you 24/7 for 3-5 days (or longer, if you are considering having both feet done at the same time), you might want to consider postponing the surgery seriously.
The long answer:
- In medicine, “never say never, be sure that you cannot be sure of anything”.
- Are you breastfeeding? It is very likely that you will need strong painkillers. Strong painkillers (practically all of them) are opioids. They work exactly in the same way as morphine, heroin, fentanyl, etc. Taking them for a short time, as prescribed, usually means no harm for an adult. But you would be exposing your baby to them – they get through to the milk. And it is an entirely different story.
- You need someone to help you take care of yourself for the first few days. You may be able to hobble to the toilet/restroom. If you are fit, you may be able to prepare your food, although carrying a cup of hot beverage may be a challenge. And as for climbing stairs carrying anything – unlikely that you will be able to do this. So, if you need to carry your baby around, bathe it, etc. – probably not a good idea. You will likely need someone else to help you.
- If you are having one foot done, you should start functioning relatively normally after 3-5 days. You will probably not need any strong painkillers then either. But if you are having both feet done, it is, again, an entirely different story. One can support the body with one leg and use the other just for balance. But with both feet done… no. So, if you are having both feet done, double the number of days. Or, better, triple it.
- Do you suffer from any chronic conditions, for example, diabetes? Are you overweight? If so, the recovery will likely last longer.
- Last but not least, one never knows. You may be able to be in excellent shape on the next day after the surgery. Or you may suffer for many days, and the recovery could be delayed. This is less likely, but not impossible.
I hope it helps. I am not a lady, I may have missed something important, of course.
I'd like to first thank you for taking the time to write this blog, it helped me a lot with my decision to go ahead with my cheilectomy. Now to briefly share my experiences. In am 3 days after my surgery and feeling great. In am a 42 y/o male, fairly active, but not an athlete by any stretch. I had been suffering with an increasing sore right foot in the big toe joint over the last few years and since I started a new job that is a 25 min walk each way from home it had become really annoying, but not unbareable. I had it checked into and after ruling out gout and a x-ray, they settled on halllux ridigdus. The doc said they could remove the one spur and perhaps fuse the joint. It really wasn't that bad, I didn't like the idea of fusion, but decided to go ahead with the Cheilectomy only. They did anankle block and put me into a light sleep, but not full general anaesthesia. That worked great, I was asleep for to op, but felt fine an hour later. The ankle block lasted about 24 hrs after, so I really didn't feel much pain later. I did take the prescribed oxycodone the night and day after, but didn't need it after a day. I was able to walk/shuffle on it immediately and it's been getting steadily better since. 3 days after I am able to walk about mostly pain (and drug) free. I am still using the post-op shoe at work, but think I will back in regular shoes in a few days. Toes movement is still limited, but that feels more due to the sutures than mechanical. Doc said they got 90 degrees movement post-op. glad I was asleep for that... Anyway, just wanted to let folks know that in perhaps less severe situation, the recovery seemed quite manageable. Did it on Friday, back to work on Monday, walking to work on Wednesday, hope to play rec beach volleyball 6s next Wednesday, stitches out the following Thursday. Good luck folks.
ReplyDeleteAre you in NZ? You sound like you were pretty happy with your specialist - can I ask who you used?
ReplyDeleteCheers!
I have lived in a few countries, but not yet in NZ, maybe in a few years. Now I am in North Carolina, USA. I am sure you have a few good orthopaedic surgeons there!
DeleteJust had my cheilectomy here in NC as well!
DeleteThanks for sharing all of this. Just had the surgery two days ago. I am also an avid runner/highly active person, so was grateful to read your successful account of recovery.
ReplyDeleteGot my surgery in under 2 weeks. Are you able to run ok now?
DeleteThank you for this blog. As someone who loves to run and play squash (pretty sure I am one of 100 people in the States that plays this outside of New England) the slow degradation of hallux limitus has been excruciating both physically and mentally. I had the surgery on 11.22.13 and now, 4 weeks out I am finding that my joint is still double, maybe closer to triple the size of the opposing great toe joint and the pain and stiffness seems to be getting worse, rather than better. It is nice to know that I may just be expecting too much too soon and to just keep plugging away at the recovery.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Tony Robinson
Thanks so much for your blog. I'm a 63 year old female, but extremely active and fit. I usually play tennis six days a week, and am also a steady gym rat. I will be scheduling my surgery as soon as possible. I've been trying to hold off until our tennis "playoffs" in March 2014, but realized the pain is now slowing me down on the courts so much that I can no longer play competitively. We're opting for the cheilectemy rather than fusion because I hope to be able to wear heels again some day! Again, my sincere thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful to have found and read your story. I'm a runner with a very painful right big toe. Orthotics have helped, but I'm again symptomatic to the point that I'm considering this surgical intervention. The only time it does not hurt is when I'm in my running shoes!!! I live in Connecticut and wonder how to best find a surgeon that can do the procedure. I'm very worried that I won't be able to run even after having this. I'm nearly 60 and a female, but I've been running since I was 25.
I am not in position to advice the names in Connecticut... but it is always good to ask around for recommendations, especially if you know any physicians etc.
ReplyDeleteSurgery for my right toe is scheduled for April 14. I'm both apprehensive and looking forward to getting this done, as I'm sick of being in pain. I'm very worried about a long lay off from running, as I've been a runner for a very long time. Encouraged by the comments that you've made, Parsifal, about the possibility of speedier healing time due to being in shape. Hope that's the case for this old gal...
ReplyDeleteHope your surgery went well. Mine was yesterday - same procedure - Cheilectomy. More pain today after the ankle block wore off - but percocet helps. All the best - Scott
DeleteScott,
DeleteHope you see this reply! My surgery went extremely well!! I took exactly 5 percocet pills, 5mgs each. A couple Motrin after that. I'm wearing this big boot nearly 24/7, but I'm wiggling this toe like crazy! I have no pain, except for the mental thing about not being able to run. Hoping to get these stitches out by my orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow. I kept the foot elevated for most of the first 3 days, but started running (well, not really, just staying on my feet) around thereafter, elevating and icing it if it felt "full." I notice you're a DO. I have used the services of one of your colleagues in Hamden, CT with great success. I have such respect for you all!! Wonder if you have words of advice re: how much I should work this toe. I do plan to do PT ASAP. I can't stand not being able to run. Bought a new stationary bike to ease me back into exercise, but it's just not the same high. My DO also did acupuncture. I wonder if that would help with healing??
How are you doing with your post op?
I am in Charlotte, NC. Did you happen to have your surgery there? Would you share your surgeon's name--if not here then via email? I've been to OrthoCarolina for another issue and was very pleased, so had planned to start there. Thank you for this great blog!
ReplyDeleteActually I had my surgery in Wilmington, NC. I can give you the surgeon's name by email, you can contact me on inwi00-chtmy@yahoo.co.uk (this is a temporary address and will expire in a few days).
DeleteFor those of you who have done this surgery, did any of you have an experience that was significantly different from that described by Parsifal in his most helpful blog?
ReplyDeleteAlso, what kind of surgeon performed the surgery: podiatric; orthopedic; orthopedic specializing in foot surgery?
Finally, did anyone also do subchondral drilling? This is intended to stimulate the body into producing fibro-cartilage, which is a kind of second-rate cartilage; not as good as the stuff with which you are born, but better than no cartilage at all.
I had a very difficult first six weeks, beginning with the complete failure of the nerve block during surgery and continuing with a high level of pain that prevented me from sleeping at night for weeks on end. My progress has been well below the benchmark set by Parsifal and most of the other posters. At 12 weeks post op I still have pain when walking, and my dorsiflexion is only 30 degrees after stretching. I can finally get into some regular flats though - until recently it looked like I'd be stuck with gym shoes forever.
DeleteI'm a 58 y/o athletic female, regular cheilectomy with no drilling, performed at regional hospital by an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot/ankle.
- Melissa
Did you ever go back to normal?
DeleteThank you for such inspirational blog. Will track my own recovery. I am 49, live in Scotland, and suffered for a year before being referred. I haven't run during that time, but have been able to cycle long distances and challenging hills. My yoga teacher has compensated me for the lack of toe be nds but I have struggled even to walk the 10 mins to work and have been using my bicycle as a wheelchair.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I had my cheilectomy and cannot fault the staff of our wonderful NHS. My father-in-law is a retired podiatrist surgeon, but came off the register too late to operate on me.
Thanks so much for this blog! I have had pain in my toe for many years and started getting cortisone shots about 2 years ago. The doctor said the only way to truly relieve it was surgery, but I have been putting it off, living with the pain, etc. I am sure I have exacerbated the problem by continuing to run, but I love it so - I can't quit.
ReplyDeleteI now have pain all the time when walking/running and cannot wear any shoes with a heel. What feels the best is running shoes with a carbon fiber plate in them to limit the bending, but I can't run with the plate thing in the shoe.
I have been thinking of having the surgery this year and after reading this blog I feel so much better about it. I am going to schedule it in late October or November and I will post my progress as well.
Lanier
Thank you for your blog. It has been very helpful both before and after my surgery, which was 9days ago, my recivery has been very similar to yours thus far, although I also had an Austin Youngswick osteotomy to address the elevated 1st metatarsal bone which caused the joint problems in my big toes. I look forward to my follow up appt tomorrow, and to having the second foot done in a few months. Hopefully things will continue to progress well, and it will all be worth it in the end! Very happy so far. Not nearly as bad as some other posts made things seem.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog. It has been really helpful to me. All the responses and different recovery times have been very helpful also. I am on day 10 but I had a newer procedure done. It involves putting a metal cap over the joint and screwed in to the base of the joint. I had no cartilage left. I have had more swelling than you but I think it was due to more trauma to my joint. I can bend my toe 90 degrees albeit with pain. I feel it will definitely get better. The md says that he has done this new procedure on patients that have had previous cheilectomy with great success. He only does fusion as a last resort. I am looking forward to waking normally again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog. i had my chilectomy/moberg 2 weeks ago. had stitches out today. down to one crutch and post op shoe. hope to be in crocs tomorrow. i am 44 and very active (or was before this). no exercise for 2 weeks spent horizontal and my back is wrecked. can't wait to return to gym, hopefully today for upper body anyway. your blog has been very helpful at knowing what to expect. i had surgery at HSS in nyc with dr david levine, everything according to hoyle so far
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your blog and all of the information. I am scheduled to have a cheilectomy in a few weeks. I am an avid runner and am very nervous about the amount of time it will take me to get back to trail running. I have found a decent amount of information about the recovery time for running, but I have not found any information on the recovery time for trail running. I know that it will be a longer process with the uneven terrain, rocks, etc. But I was hoping someone reading the blog might be able to post their recovery time for getting back out on the trails. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I've posted on this blog. I'm almost 9 months post surgery, and I can tell you I'm very glad I did it. But I will say, running 5 weeks post op was a very stupid thing for this gal to do. I didn't realize how much I'd been depending on the left leg to compensate for the right foot that was operated on. I returned to running too much, too soon, and ended up with runner's knees.....yes, that was plural! Then, my illiotibial band became irritated, along with the periformis muscle....all on the side that was not operated on. I ended up having to take an additional month off from running. I thought I could just start running, especially since cardiovascular-wise, I was fine! I could run 5 miles without a problem. The foot that was operated on felt only a bit sore after each run of 3-5 miles. But I must have been using the other side too much throughout my recovery and while I was returning to running. Also, my orthotics needed to be adjusted to compensate for the change in my gait on the operated foot, as well as on the other foot. What a mess!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm happy to say that rest and new orthotics did the trick. I'm experiencing only that same kind of sensitivity that Parsifal describes. Not really pain. It still feels like a nice healing kind of sensitivity. Now, if I could only get rid of the extra weight I'm carrying around, it might take care of the other aches and pains I feel. But darn, I love my bread!!!
Marilyn,
DeleteI'm a 43 year old runner about to have a cheilectomy on my right foot...which has been killing me for about five years. I run 5 miles 4 to 5 days per week. Can you tell me if you're back to your running distance and ability now? Thank you for the information. I'm terrified that I'll never to be able to run again like I do now. (And can you wear heels? :)
Nicole
Are you able to run ok now? My op in 2 weeks.
DeleteI've posted here before about my trials and tribulations with hallux rigidus and my cheilectomy procedure. I am 30 years old, very active, a runner (25-30 miles a week), a hiker, skier and all of the above. I am currently 8 weeks post op, and i'm finally returning to semi-normal.
ReplyDeleteLet me first say that as far as amount of bone removed and stiffness of the toe pre and post op I was on the worse side of things. My orthopedic surgeon performed a cheilectomy combined with a bunionectomy and a sesamoid release. He removed a lot of bone which is why my recovery has gone somewhat slowly.
I highly recommend that anyone who has this procedure done gets a good physical therapist and goes to see them as soon as they are allowed to by the doctor. This has been the single biggest part in my recovery so far. Without a physical therapist I would be weeks behind where I am today (I jogged on and off for 4 minutes the other day).
My name is Jim. I am 39, semi active, and 6 weeks post cheilectomy. I will not lie to you, the first several weeks were painful. Every day the swelling gets a little less and I get just as much more movement. Right now I would say that the swelling is down 95% except for the wound itself (its bumpy). I was in gym shoes by week 3 as the boot is just stupid annoying. I have pain everyday while walking, esp on the bottom of my big toe joint. Sometimes on the side of the big toe. This makes no sense to me as the operation was on the top of the joint. Its to the point where you won't put your full weight on the toe while walking and at the end of the day, I relish putting my feet up. I push it as I want to recover as fast as possible. I crank on it doing my own physical therapy, stretching it hard. I am looking forward to the day the pain is gone...so I can do this whole crazy process over again on the left foot. Yippee.
ReplyDeleteat what point did pain go away?
DeleteJim I'm having the same problem with pain under my great toe. What did you do to alleviate it? I'm taking off work today to go to the orthopedic surgeon to see what the problem is. My surgery was 2 1/2 months ago, any advice?
DeleteThanks for the great blog! Very informative and helpful.
ReplyDeleteI'm 4 weeks after my surgery and it's going well. I can walk fairly normally and without pain, although I'm still walking slowly to assure a full, correct range of motion. I just started going up and down stairs normally today and I'm starting to be more assertive with movement. I will definitely work up to my previous long walks, though. I tend to be careful.
I went from the boot to a comfortable, supportive sandal after 3 weeks. I've had very little swelling due, I think, to resting and elevating the foot regularly and keeping it wrapped. I have 60 degrees dorsiflexion and both my doctor and I are very happy with that. I was at 20 with pain before the surgery. Not so good yet toe down, but I'm starting to manipulate it more that way, so I think it'll loosen up. I'm looking forward to walking on the sand at the beach to help with that. Next week I think.
I haven't had physical therapy, but I've been doing my own stretching and massage around the wound, along with bending the toe and going up onto my toes as instructed by my doctor. I don't have much pain with any of it anymore. The stretching and massage has felt important to keep the blood and chi moving throughout the leg and the whole body. As they say, it's all connected. Lots of deep breathing and I also send loving energy to my foot everyday and thank it for all that it's doing for me. It's no small thing!
I'm very glad I had the surgery and I want to be very patient with the process to assure the best results. My doctor said initially that it was a 6-8 week healing process and I think that's really just for the very basic healing from the surgery. When I asked him when I could get back to my walking routine, he looked at me and sternly said, "after 8 weeks". Okay then. I know, too, that the process will continue after that as I regain normal function.
Best wishes to everyone having the surgery!
Thank you for all of your posts. This blog has been so helpful to measure my own progress. I had cheilectomy for HR, rt. Big toe in '00, left big toe in '02 and now am 4 weeks post op for cheilectomy on rt. Big toe the 2nd time. Its been so long, 13yrs. That I forgot what to expect. I just came out of surgical shoe and am wearing loose slippers with stiff bottom. Top of foot still too sore for regular sneaker. Pain on walking but only when I bend the toe. If I walk slow and carefully, no pain when weight bearing on flat unbended toe. Doing exercises and massage. Slight pain bending down. No pain bending up have about a 45 degree upward angle. Sore by end of the day. Increasing walking everyday. Am enjoying the motorized scooters at WalMart and home depot. I definitely think I'm healing slower due to added age and weight. Can't wait to walk my dog again. Maybe next week around the block. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this fantastic blog. It's like a specialist community �� I'm 3 weeks post cheilectomy and orthotomy on my right big toe. Struggling to find normal shoes to fit me. Physiotherapist said I shouldn't wear my post op shoe anymore. Started driving yesterday. I'm still in an average amount of pain. It has been helpful to read the blog and comments to realise things are go I g fairly normally for me. Thank you SOOOOO much
ReplyDeleteI had a cheilectomy on my right toe nearly 7 months ago and I am really disappointed that I am still suffering from pain when I walk and wearing heels is now more painful than before I had the op. After having an MRI scan a couple of months ago my surgeon advised me that I have quite marked odema throughout the whole of the 1st metatarsal and some into the hallux. He says this is likely to be a stress response post surgery but he does not have any other patients that have suffered with this. He thinks it will get better with time but I am becoming more doubtful as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteThis is my current fear. I'm 5 weeks post op. 5 degree flexion with a great amount of pain. My scar runs from the bottom of my toenail to below the large joint down below. I seem in worse shape than before surgery. I'm scared and disappointed. I'm only 43 and fear I'll never function properly again.
DeleteSimilar to Deb's comment, I am a "repeat offender." I had a cheilectomy on my right big toe about 12 years ago. At that time I was told the osteoarthritis was actually worse in the left toe than the right, but I only had pain on the right side. I managed pretty well for 10-11 years after that - training and racing in 5Ks. Then both big toes starting hurting about one year ago. So I stopped running for a week. Still pain. Took off two weeks. Still pain. Finally went back to the doc and sure enough the spurs were back in the right joint and the left had continued to worsen. So I had bilateral cheilectomies 10 days ago. I was surprised that my doc wanted me out of the surgical shoes after the first week to start getting some joint movement - so I've been wearing TEVA's the last few days. Staples should come out in a few days. I turned 50 this year so I am hoping this buys me another 10 years (and yes, I plan to run again - it's what keeps me sane). My doc had wanted to insert stem cells after the spur removal, but the request was denied by my insurance. She said she has gotten good results. Something you might ask your doc about if you are considering this procedure.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing to consider is how you will "manage" your toe joint(s) going forward. As a runner I tried alot of things over the years which may be why I got 10-11 years out of my procedure (my doc said 5 is more typical). Oddly enough, the customer orthotics route never worked for me. Neither did the super-cushioned running shoe. What worked was a more minimalist shoe that had a very small heel-toe drop (~3mm) with Green Superfeet inserts. As I've done more research, I think that I will be trying the Hoka running shoes as they have a built-in rocker bottom that should help protect the joint. As a "belts and suspenders" approach, I also found carbon-fibre shoe inserts that are very stiff, but incredibly lightweight. By combining those with the Hokas, my hope is to minimize the amount of toe flexion while I run. With luck, I may be able to avoid fusions in the future. I hope everyone else does too. Good luck!
Is there anyone else in this group who was still suffering significant pain in the surgical area 11 months after surgery? I had the bone spur remove, bone fragments cleaned out of the joint and some cleaning up of the cartilage. I had cortisone shots about a month and two months after surgery to help with the swelling and pain, but they didn't do much good. I still can't put full weight on the inside of my foot and I have to wear running shoes with signifiant support to avoid being in severe pain when walking. (With the running shoes I can walk about 4 miles before my knee and hip start hurting from walking on the outside of my foot.)
ReplyDeleteI've been told by others who've had bunion surgery that it can take over a year to heal completely (and that if it does, it's often two years before you are totally comfortable). Has anyone else had that experience with a cheilectomy?
Lisa, Did you ever hear back from others? How are you doing now?
DeleteI had my cheilectomy on 9/11/15. At times I wonder why I bothered, then I realize it takes so much time to get back to normal after this surgery. The Dr. kept my foot wrapped up longer than usual, it was swollen and not healing well. Started P.T. 12/14/15. The Dr. wanted the flexing up,he did not want any curling motions. Then after 1 month, not much improvement with pain and movement, so aggressive p.t. was prescribed. Very painful,but I see it improving. Started barefoot walking up sand dunes and hikes in dec. I am going to try acupuncture this week. It is still a little swollen, but I do 'practice fittings' with all of my shoes, and I can feel the difference-they fit better with not as much pain. Stay positive. At least my foot is not deformed with that HUGE bump on the top of my toe!
ReplyDeleteI am now hopeful that my foot is healing ok. As I posted on 3/7/16, I started acupuncture. My toe is so much better. Saw my podiatrist and had xeays. It was very clean between the once calcified and fused joint. I did notice some gray area? at the inner area between my big toe 2nd toe junction. My acupuncturist has been working in this area says it is probably scar tissue. I have even been practicing at home wearing a pair of block heels 1.75" Not bad at all! Very happy now. I am now going to the gym, walking as usual. Now the next challenge is fixing the osteoporosis that I discovered I had when he operated. I do not want to develop more calcifications, so I am working on taking the right supplements.
ReplyDeleteI also had a cheilectomy and bone fragments removed from the joint just over 3 months ago. I am 35 years old and my dr. initially said it would be a 4-6 week heeling period. About 2 weeks ago the swelling seemed to be subsiding and the wound looked as though it was completely closed. Unfortunately, my toe is now more swollen than it was before the surgery! It is slightly discolored, very raw & sensitive, and draining. Even brushing up against the skin is painful. Is there anyone else who had/is having a similar experience? I thought I was nearly recovered, and is now worse than ever. Is this typical?
ReplyDeleteI guess you must have seen your doctor to ask - what did he or she say?
Deletecurious to know when you improved
DeleteThank you very much for your blog - I had the same surgery two days ago with an implant installed over lover phalange. I am 50, extremely fit (swimming hard every week day for 45-50 minutes). I destroyed my big toe joint with running. Something suspicious is going on with me because: I could wiggle my toe immediately after the surgery, I have had no pain (just slight discomfort) and I can go around without the special shoe. I keep ice on my instep at all times except when sleeping. I am taking ibuprofen as a precautionary measure (I have prescribed narcotics just in case) and I am perplexed with my overall experience. I was expecting an enormous pain... So I guess I am very lucky and anybody that reads it can possibly have my experience as well!
ReplyDeleteHad a cheilectomy 2 weeks ago, quite a lot of bone removed from the top of the joint and a bit of bone spurring. Was managing fine in the post op shoe not much
ReplyDeletepain but now after having the sutures removed its so painful! Have been told to weight bear but most of my swelling is on the side and under my toes, so I can't actually get my foot and toes flat on the floor. Incision is very Numb, I think the nerve is bruised as I suddenly get a horrible stabbing pain in the joint and it feels like there is an elastic band tightening around my toe. I was feeling so positive and now feel like I have taken a step back, no longer using a crutch just a stick, no chance of getting my own shoes on yet, so will have to persevere with the post op shoe.
And now are you glad you did it?
DeleteI'm on Day 3. (42 yo very active female, moderate hallux rigidus, 2/3 cartilage preserved after surgery) Not anywhere near moving the joint. Can hardly put any weight on the rest of the foot. Any time I stand the blood rushes down to my foot and it throbs; so not much standing, let alone walking. Just went off Percocet this morning, but will probably use it to sleep.
ReplyDeleteHi there. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you for this blog. As someone for whom more information = feeling more secure, it was incredibly helpful to read the blow-by-blow of your experience. Much appreciated!
I'm currently in the incredibly weird position of wondering if I might be addressing my hallux rigidus /earlier/ than I need to. And unfortunately, I'm realizing this /four days/ before my scheduled surgery.
For context: I found out about my mild hallux rigidus entirely by accident. I'd sustained a relatively minor fall last autumn at an athletic event, and my big toe had been mildly aching off and on during pushoff of that foot while walking, especially if I pushed off with a good bit of force. I mentioned this to my podiatrist while I was in to replace my orthotics. She did an x-ray just in case and noticed two things: mild hallux rigidus on that toe, and (possibly more relevantly) a slightly (plantarly) displaced bone fragment at the end of the toe bone adjacent to the joint, probably sustained in the fall. The combination of the 'peak' of that displaced bone being more plantar and the bone spur were likely compressing the joint, she said, and she pointed to a couple of tiiiiny spots of probably cartilage damage. Even then, she said it was elective and up to me, but that the condition could progress, naturally.
I'd noticed recently that my toe joint hadn't been bothering me as much as it had in the past, so I gave it a short pain and mobility test to use as a baseline pre-surgery. To my /shock/, there was 0 pain on a fast walk, slow jog, or even a (short) run. I even tried wearing a pair of 2.5" heels today, and I didn't feel anything other than the usual heel wearing fatigue.
I mention this because I also have a mild bunion on that foot, one which we're not addressing quit yet, and I wonder if I should just wait until one or the other has progressed to the point of being prepared to address both at once. I've just heard of a number of people experiencing a good bit of pain and slow recovery post-op; patient satisfaction sounds like it has at least some correlation with how uncomfortable the patient was pre-surgery. And, to be honest, I'm not especially uncomfortable. This seems like it would be preventative at best.
I'm 40, somewhat out of shape but active enough to have sustained an injury at an athletic event. I'm clearly going to make my final decision with my surgeon, but: thoughts?
Day 2 after my procedure performed by a orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle. Minimal pain, but I feel like I have a hangover. The nurse called this morning and said it may be side effect of general anesthesia, or the medication that I was prescribed (oxycodone and gabapentin), she told me take regular Tylenol for the headache, but continue to take meds for pain. I could actually wiggle my toe this am! Something I haven't done for months! Icing and elevating as much as possible. I'm very positive about the outcome! I was already in constant pain and really needed to do something besides the orthotics and rocker bottom shoes!
ReplyDeleteHaving second thoughts about a bilateral....doing right toe first and left toe following month.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who did a bilateral?
Told surgery on a Wednesday---can work on Monday. Tuesday stitches out.
Comments please.
Surgery is 4 days --and thinking maybe just one and also wait till the fall.
I am a 48 year old female, highly athletic (or was) and had to have cheilectomy in March 2016. I am a runner, gymnast, and professional bodybuilder. I first noticed I was having difficulty tucking my toe under in a push up position, walking lunges became extremely difficult as I could not bend my toe to lunge on it. Therefore walking became uncomfortable or going up on my toe. As this stiffness increased, so did the visits to the doctors.
ReplyDeleteAfter several doctor visits because I refused to believe what I was hearing (that I may not be able to run again, wear heels again, etc), I had no choice but to have a cheilectomy performed on my right big toe.
It is now 6 months later and I can't say I have had extreme success as others have. This has messed with my mind as I am still not able to exercise using any full weight wearing where toe is in bent angle (lunges, pushing off from it, etc).
It is till extremely stiff to move. I went to PT for 4-5 months after it, had steroid injection because surgeon felt like I was not getting enough movement out of it. They feel now that I possibly have had a build up of scar tissue settled in the actual joint. They have suggested a newer procedure (or at least to me) where they will go in again and this time do an open toe cheilectomy (as my fist one was athroscopic) and remove the scar tissue and wrap my joint in "thin sheets of frozen amniotic fluid". This has proven successful with knee operations and ankle operations to avoid scar tissue build up like they think I have.
Has anyone had this type of surgery done as I am extremely down and frustrated and can't imagine going back in to go through surgery again. I did not get the best results as others and am so extremely down on this whole thing.
My problem before the I tially surgery was that my toe could not bend and was completely stuff, yet I would still be fully weight bearing and go ahead with life activities. Now, after my March surgery, I am able to get more movement with my toe but only if I am no -weight bearing. The moment I start to go up on my toe it hurts so bad. Hookas are the only shoe I can wear (with a carbon graphite insert).
Please let me know if anyone has had this procedure done either as a follow surgery or initial. My surgery was also done here in NC, and the second opinion surgeon is out of OrthoCarolinas that would be doing the next surgery, if I go forward with it.
Any helpful comments would be so well received as this is a mentally crippling recovery to an extremely active athletic person.
From what I am reading it has been only 5 months since you had cheilectomy. From my experience, and based on what I know (I am not an orthopaedic surgeon), it is a very short time for the joint to heal enough. I actually avoided excessive exercise, and I was just patient - did not want to risk repetitive damage to the tissues that had to heal after the surgery. 4 years after the surgery, I still feel some pain if I try to put all my (excessive!) weight on my right toe, but it is bearable and actually much more comfortable than before the surgery. Perhaps you should take a second opinion before going for another surgery, and also agree what is your goal: the range of movements vs. athe ability to quickly put all your weight on the toe. I am in NC and I can give you the name of the doc who operated me - although I do not want to give them free advertising. You can send me an email to temporary address (I do not want to publish my real one): inwi00-cheilectomy@yahoo.co.uk and I will reply with details.
DeleteI am a 53 year old female and had a cheilectomy almost a year ago. I was also very active with yoga, weights and walking 4-5 miles a day. After walking on the side of my foot and altering my gait, I decided to go ahead with the cheilectomy as I was told it was fairly minor surgery with good results. Almost a year later, I feel burning pain on the bottom of my foot, pain when I push off, and although I can wake up in the morning with less pain, after a day of walking I am limping by the end of the day. I do not have pain with not weight and I can get very good flexing of my toe. I have followed this blog since before my surgery(Sept '15) and had such high hopes for this surgery. I had a cortisone shot in April, then an MRI in May, in which my Ortho said my big toe area lit up like a pinball machine, but he didn't think my arthritis or my sesamoids looked that bad. Suggested giving it time, but it is really affecting my life. Im not trying to run, just walk right now! I also got an orthotic made and have a carbon plate, but that is so hard and makes my hip hurt! I am in SC but will be getting a second opinion in NC probably orthocarolina where a friend had a double bunionectomy and was playing tennis in 3 months. Parsifal, are you in Charlotte area? I definitely do not want additional surgery and if someone just told me that eventually it would get better, I would be patient. But I feel it is actually worse now than it was 3 months post op:( Frustrated NC did you have an MRI? Any suggestions much appreciated!
DeleteI am in Wilmington. You can reach me on inwi00-parsifal@yahoo.co.uk. I am using disposable address to avoid spam.
DeleteI have hallux limitus and have seen one orthopedic surgeon and three podiatrists. They all recommended something different in terms of surgery and one podiatrist here in NYC does not subscribe to surgery noting that most of these procedures don't turn out well and surgery has the real possibility of making matters worse. Hard to know exactly what to do ? My first question is should I allow a podiatrist operate on me or are these types of procedures better suited for an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot issues ?
ReplyDeleteI am in the same quandary. One visit to a very experienced podiatrist, after xrays, who recommended removal of lump and clean up the toe joint, two month recovery. Almost went with it until I read this Blog. Then I visited a surgeon, specializes in feet, he simply held my bare foot, looked at it and said, easy fix, remove lump install a metal strip via screws with some degree of angle for toe bend. I left, totally perplexed. That was two years ago, work has become difficult, utility lineman, difficulty walking any distance.
DeleteI am a 55yr old female and was just diagnosed with stage 3 Hallux Rigidus after having x-rays from a very qualified podiatrist in NC. I have been suffering for quite a while now. He gave me a cortisone shot in each big toe( it's bilateral!) and told me if they do not work I would need surgery. In my left toe I have a bit of numbness above the joint as well as pain in the joint. I am a hairdresser for 37 years and not quite ready to give it up! Has anyone had more than one cortisone shot if the first one does not work? My daughter is getting married in Oct. I really would like to try to hold off surgery if I can.
DeleteI am supposed to be meeting with the surgeon next week to schedule a cheilectomy for advanced hallux rigidus. I am a 53 year old woman with a sedentary job but I walked 30-45 minutes daily and had been starting to prepare for second 5k when pain kicked in. I really want to be able to jog/run again and wear heels on special occasions. Am I being too optimistic? Also, how long should I plan on being out of work? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteThis blog is great. Can anyone recommend a good doctor in NYC or Westchester? I will need to have this surgery done. Thank you.
Just had a bilateral cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus. I'm at home six hours post-op. So far, not a lot of pain, but a general pulsing throb in my feet (especially after shuffling to and from the bathroom). I'm waiting for my SO to return with the vicodin prescription and I will start that to see if I can arrest the pain response a little proactively.
ReplyDeleteI'll say that one reason for going ahead with this was the wonderful information on this blog. I had found myself slowly losing the ability to run or walk long distances, and found my gait changing to the point where I was experiencing knee and hip twinges, so the status quo wasn't really working out.
I'll try to also provide my own status updates to expand the knowledge base of this community.
Quick bio: I'm 46, pretty active (bike commuter, runner), professional desk jockey otherwise. I was an avid racket sports enthusiast, which I think contributed a lot to bilateral hallus rigidus. I had very limited motion in my right big toe, and pretty compromised motion in my left. I was classified as moderate-to-severe on the right, and moderate on the left. For the most part, staying off my feet would trigger little pain, but walking even a block was painful - not debilitating, but painful. My bony growths were also limiting my choices in footwear.
Anyway - feeling loopy still, so this is enough for now. Thanks for providing us a forum to share and learn!
Hi Eli. Would love to hear how you’re doing now. My story is almost identical to yours (including right foot being worse than left). I am now 12 days post op and feel great but concerned about long term success.
DeleteI finally scheduled my cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus of the left foot this Friday, the 24th. I have put this off for several years mostly because of all the horror stories on line, so I am so thankful to read some success stories. I injured my toe playing soccer barefoot about 14 years ago and of course, never saw a doctor after that injury. I have very little dorsiflection and am now experiencing nerve pain under the ball of my foot in addition to the pain in the joint.
ReplyDeleteI'm a 57 year old active woman. (Tennis, biking, hiking, gym) I am a kindergarten teaching assistant and on my feet most of the day. I'm hoping to get back to work after 9 days recovery, but we shall see how things go.
I will try to post after surgery.
I enjoyed reading your blog posts as I just had the surgery today. Thus far I am following your lead on feeling good. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeletePrepping for this surgery in a few weeks and appreciate reading this history of others. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI had this surgery on my right foot on February 1 of this year. I was told I could go back to running after two weeks, waited until 3.5 weeks and ran twice at 5 miles each on back to back days. The pain was manageable, but my shoe chafed the scar and I wound up with an infection. There are raised parts of my incision that the doctor decided was a bad reaction to the internal sutures. He said this should resolve around 90 days. It has not. My foot is still swollen at almost 100 days to the point I struggle to wear any normal shoe. I live in sandals, and occasionally wear Uggs when I can't stand the cold feet anymore. I am running in a pair of extremely stretched out running shoes after changing the lacing to remove pressure on the incision, as well as cutting out the bottom of my shoe insert under the big toe to accommodate the swelling. I was told I will experience pain for a year, but I find that I am fine running now that I modified my shoe and insert. I do wish I could get into more of my regular shoes, but I am finding I can get into a couple of pair this week that I couldn't wear the last time I tried. I was not at all prepared for the swelling. Everything else was manageable. I had a week off work and then returned and propped my foot on a box and pillow under my desk for weeks afterward. I have small dogs that require numerous short walks during the day - usually 5, and that was painful for weeks. However, the pain lessened more and more as time went on. I don't have pain just walking most of the time. It is usually after I do something out of the ordinary, like dancing for 2 hours straight last weekend or bowling last night (got into bowling shoes, but bowling was hard on my foot). My range of motion is much improved, my running mechanics feel a bit improved, and I am overall happy I had the surgery. Will be elated once the swelling goes away completely.
ReplyDeleteHi. Just wondered what advice you had been given about getting back to normal ASAP. My surgeon really scared me with stories of swelling lasting a year if I didn’t put my feet up enough for at 6 weeks. I had double op 12 days ago so still have bandages on but am concerned swelling could start after that - I have had none so far.
DeleteHi I'm dean 32 from UK , I had bad break in toe now have hallux limitis.. Is it ultimately worth having this done ?? Could anyone please tell me be very greatfull as fearfully terrified lol as prob understand .. Thankyou very much
ReplyDeleteDean, I am the person who wrote the May 10, 2017 comments. Yes, it is worth doing the procedure. Maybe take it a little slower than I did and don't start running after 3.5 weeks so you don't risk slowing the healing process. While I do still have some aches and pains almost 4 months in, they are totally bearable and I am able to do most physical activities that matter to me. I ran 12 miles on Sunday and the foot was sore and achy from overuse the next day. Today, Friday, I just have the normal soreness that can be pretty routine. When I do too much, my foot hurts more than prior to surgery. When I am kind and don't run all over the countryside, it is about the same level of soreness, though different. Before, it was arthritic pain and stiffness - now it can be achy in the arch or on the top of the foot a bit with an occasional sharper pain. All acceptable to me.
DeleteRemember, I am having some problems with my internal sutures that you might not have. However, I can tell my pain is lessening regularly, the stiffness is gone, and I am very happy with the results. Worst case, my scar may stay a little raised and ugly. However, I don't care much about that. You are younger than me (I am a 51 year old female), so I would think your prognosis would be great!! Just my totally non-professional opinion.....
Thankyou for your reply and time dean .. I been given this rock hard insert for my shoe which is like walking on concrete but I think that helps and this particular range of boots help as well .. I had xrays other day and will see if need the surgery when get results , I do want it now so thankyou so much taking your time replying dean ☺
DeleteHi I'm dean 32 from UK , I had bad break in toe now have hallux limitis.. Is it ultimately worth having this done ?? Could anyone please tell me be very greatfull as fearfully terrified lol as prob understand .. Thankyou very much
ReplyDeleteI am a 53 year old female, on day 3 after a cheilectomy, which was performed in Sheffield, UK. I was a keen runner, until my foot worsened, and I also lift weights. I had got to a stage where all shoes were painful to walk in, even flats, and high heels were no longer possible as there was very little flexion in my toe. I could just about manage a low wedge. I debated long and hard about surgery, until it become impossible to postpone it any longer.
ReplyDeletePost surgery, the anaesthesia kept my foot numb, however, by the evening it began to wear off, and I had a horribly painful, sleepless night. None of the painkillers seemed to work, and I was very concerned. By the evening of the second day, however, the pain was only moderate, I slept fine, and woke on the third day with mild discomfort, needed far less painkillers, used none of the strong ones I'd been prescribed, and I really wanted to get out and about. I restricted myself only because I'd been advised to do so, not out of a feeling of necessity.
I have a thick dressing and a Velcro shoe. I can move my toes. There is some soreness, but it does not feel like a bone surgery in terms of pain at this point.
I go back next week for a redressing, and fingers crossed, the recovery will continue at the same pace. The surgeon removed a lot of bony growth and spurs, and said he'd regained 80% of flexion. I had none prior to this surgery, so if there's no pain going forward, and more movement, I will be so happy. I guess experiences of this surgery really must vary.
I am a 64 year old female on day 4 after bi-lateral cheilectomy in Chester. I had been suffering with pain in both toes,and although movement wasn't restricted, I was unable to wear most shoes without pain. I had a nerve block in both feet which lasted about 30 hours, following which I have had 2 days on just paracetamol more for discomfort than pain. Today the bandages are off and I am left with the dressings that are to be removed when the stitches are taken out in another week. So far there seems to be no swelling, minimal bruising and good movement in both joints. I am keeping my feet up as instructed not because I feel it necessary but because I want to have as speedy a recovery as possible. Looking forward to some nice shoes!
ReplyDeleteI am scheduled for this procedure on my right great toe on August 16. I am scared to death because I have read nothing but horror stories online. I really need to stop googling this procedure. Thankfully, your blog has been the only thing to provide a glimmer of hope. I am a 39-year-old female, I run approximately 40 to 45 miles per week. For the past five years this toe has been nothing but a pain in my hip, literally. I have run Boston seven times and have re-qualified for this upcoming year as well. I know I won't be able to run my normal pace, but would still like to make it to the start line and hopefully the finish line, even if I have to walk. Do you think it is unrealistic to expect to be there mid April if my procedure is coming up this August? I know everyone heals differently, but I am kind of stressing out over the possibility of not being able to run again. I don't know why so many people seem to have such a hard time with this procedure. I am a late stage one, still have good joint space, just need to have that nasty bone spur taken off the top of the toe.
ReplyDeleteThink about it this way: this little joint has to bear a good portion of your body weight when you run. My question is: why so many people cannot be a little more patient .... what is more important, the marathon in April, or 30 other marathons that you can run afterwards? It is very hard to say if you will be able to run it or not next year, but if you take a good care about this foot and do not overload it, you increase the chance of running many more marathons in your life.
ReplyDeleteHi, i'm on day 20 after bilateral cheilectomy. Feeling very down today. Walked a very slow 100metres yesterday and then suffered all night with swollen hot feet. I don't want to move my toes at all today. I just don't know how much I should be doing. I did nothing for the first 2 weeks whilst I still had the stitches in and bandages on. I saw the physio on Friday and have some exercise to do, but am nervous about pushing things too hard. I am desperate to get back to being active, but can't see a way forward at the moment. Any advice greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMy advice is: slow down, be patient. Do a little, gently, but frequently. Do not force it. There is very little (if not nothing) that you can do to speed up the healing process. But you can help it heal by ... not disturbing it, and not causing any additional injury to the fragile tissues and elements of the joint that need to repair themselves. It may take months to get back to normal use of the foot. And if you notice anything that is particularly troublesome, see your doctor.
DeleteThanks - it is just all so frustrating. I am lucky in that I have the rest of the school summer holiday to recover, before having to go back to work, but I am finding it very hard to do so little - especially when you read about others that are out and about by this stage. I am just going to take it easy. I see the physio again next week, so will see what balance I should be getting.
DeleteA month in: Starting to improve - slowly, but feel much happier! I can now drive and can walk slowly, but pushing off the feet is difficult. I am doing exercises every hour during the day as the physio has suggested. I am sleeping better than before the op - I could not stand the covers on my feet as they hurt so much before! right foot has much better movement already than before the op, left making slower progress.
DeleteI really hope someone can comment on what is going on with my case, because I am out of ideas.
ReplyDeleteHad a cheilectomy on my right foot almost six months ago. Recovery was fine - had some pains, sometimes bad, but nothing out of the ordinary. After about three months, the surgical joint, while still painful, was not really a daily concern and I was starting to resume exercising.
Since then, I have had one problem after another. Metatarsalgia. Then, pain in the peroneal tendons. Then, something snapping in my foot when I walk barefoot or in flip flops (likely a tendon or ligament). Assorted other pains around the ankle. Pain in my right knee.
None of these has ever been a problem before. I ceased all exercise more than two months ago.
My only thought is that these new pains are coming from altered mechanics or anatomy (something besides the cheilectomy itself). I mean, what else could it be? Does anyone have any other ideas, or thoughts on a course of treatment?
Really losing hope here. I've been completely blindsided, never banked on any of this other stuff happening.
Strange. Have you spoken to an orthopaedist? Physiotherapist? Podiatrist? I would expect someone specialising in sports medicine might to be able to help. Perhaps, as you are saying, something has changed in the mechanics of of your foot, and some ligaments, tendons or fascias need to adjust slowly.
DeleteParsifal - thank you for your response. I've been working with my podiatrist, but I feel I may need to transition to a specialist who can delve into my mechanics. I was thinking physical therapy; someone recommended a physiatrist to me as well. I think an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist is a good idea.
DeleteTo me, the persistence of the pain (2/10) as well as its progressive nature (foot --> ankle --> knee) indicates that something is amiss with me mechanically. I will try to find out what's going on.
Hi, I'm hoping someone can give me some encouragement about the progress, as I'm starting to worry that this operation was all for nothing!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the UK, and am currently on day 16 after a cheilectomy on my right toe. I’m 39 year old female, and very active, and the joint was starting to limit my activity levels, so I had the operation to relieve the ongoing pain in the joint, and to also increase the range of movement.
The wound is healing nicely, and pain has nearly subsided now, (expect for the odd shooting/stabbing pain) however my issue is with the range of movement - or should I say, complete lack of it.
For some context - prior to the op, I had very limited total range of movement - 0 degrees upwards, and limited downwards.
Immediately after surgery, my surgeon said that the op went well, and although the joint was much stiffer than he anticipated, he was able to give me about 20 degrees upward movement. I was still in the recovery room at this point, and so not on top form, so unfortunately I didn't ask any further questions about the surgery at that point. He instructed me to get a necktie and use it to pull the toe towards me to keep the joint moving, however I was to keep any weight off the joint for the first 10 days. I followed these instructions.
Initially I was hopeful, as I could see the toe moving (albeit very slightly), however now I have had the bandages removed, I can see that it was not my toe that was moving at all - it was my foot.
The toe does not move upwards, and now I am worrying. I can move it downwards slightly, I have tried to use pressure to move the toe upwards, however there is zero movement. It doesn’t hurt to move it upwards, its just like its frozen in one spot.
I realise that I am still very early in the healing process and I know that I need to be patient, however judging by others experiences, they were able to see some movement in the toe immediately after surgery.
Has anyone else had an experience like this? Or am I just being super impatient and expecting movement straight away?
Thank you
Rachel, 16 days is probably too soon to expect much. If you read my blog carefully, you will see that I started moving the toe (barely) on day 17. By day 22, I had similar range of movement as before the surgery (i.e. very limited). With time, it was getting better and better, yet you really need to give it at least 4-6 months. And even afterwards I saw further improvement (now, 5 years after the surgery, there is hardly any limitation). Joints take very long time after surgery, be patient and gentle to your toe. Your surgeon could bend it 20 degrees while you were under anaesthesia, it means that they were no physical restrictions. But your joint is swollen and has not been used for over 2 weeks, it needs time to get back to its usual function. If you do not see any improvement 8-12 weeks after the surgery, then perhaps see your specialist again (I understand very well, from my own experience, that under the NHS waiting time may be incredibly long). When is your next follow-up?
DeleteRachel, I had my cheilectomy done on the 16th of August. It was just a basic cheilectomy with some joint debridement. My bandage was removed at my post-op appointment on post-op day 8 and I was instructed to wear supportive shoes, such as Birkenstocks, and work on passive stretching (so no PT). I have been using a device called "dynasplint" to help with the dorsal extension. Have you heard or seen these devices? Not sure if they are available in the U.K. or not. I would suggest looking into them. They are considered to be a medical device, so you would need to contact a dynasplint rep for information. If they are available in your area, your doctor's office may be able to give you the info. Basically, the device goes on your foot and provides a degree of pressure on your toe, extending it upward, in a gentle stretch. You leave the device on your foot for 30-60 minutes while sitting, such as watching tv. You can do this several times a day, and you can gradually increase the amount of stretch the device provides. There is also one for flexion, but my surgeon didn't feel I would need that one.
ReplyDeleteAt 12 days post-op I returned to the gym, but have only been doing the elliptical and weights. No running. I can start aqua jogging this week now that the incision is mainly healed. My toe doesn't feel perfect, and it is still awkward feeling to wiggle, but the dynasplint has been very helpful. Good luck!
This blog is great! I'm a 47 year old who has suffered with hallux limits/rigidus for 20 years in both feet. I have been fortunate to manage it with orthotics, but I started having increasingly more pronounced left foot pain around 4 years ago. After new orthotics, mobic, icing, and even a steroid shot let me down - I decided it was time for surgery. The procedure was performed on Friday Oct 6th, and I'm now one week post op. Will provide more updates that generally align with what Parasfil's dates.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAint really looking forward to this but I go in Friday 12/8 to have my surgery done. I'm 55 and a wee bit chubby (5'9" 225lbs) refinery worker who smokes to much and runs around the refinery on a bicycle so I'm fairy active I guess. I certainly aint no runner or gym rat like a lot of you guys & gals though! LOL! I've been dealing with bone spurs for well over a year now in my right big toe, the doc says I done fractured one of them so its been pretty sore but I just grinning and dealing with it! I was 1st diagnosed with Gout my my regular physician, self diagnosed actually on WebMD and the doc just agreed with me and gave me some NSAID's's and gout medicine. Took the gout meds for about a week and got to wondering why he never did a blood check on done any x-rays so I went to a foot doc and he did some x-rays and discovered the bone spurs. Thank you for the very informative blog and I will pitch in also on my recovery also and interested in see how things go for me compared to others!
ReplyDeleteAfter studying the post op instructions the Doc gave me the other day and on one line its said "don't sit with your feet down for more than one minute" and on another it said something about when walking to the bathroom you must wear the shoe given to you and I started thinking WTF if I gotta go take a poop? Damn sure is gonna take me more than one minute! Called the Doc and I was assured it was OK! Thank God that one had me worried!!! LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if any of you that have had surgery and have had time to heal are able to wear a shoe with a heel on occasion with no pain. I have not had surgery and would NEVER be able to where a shoe with a heel because of the pain.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if any of you that have had surgery and have had time to heal are able to wear a shoe with a heel on occasion with no pain. I have not had surgery and would NEVER be able to where a shoe with a heel because of the pain.
ReplyDeleteI had a cheilectomy done in August 2017 and I was able to wear a 3 inch heel for a few hours in December for a Christmas party. This past weekend I was able to wear a pair of 4 inch booties for three hours without much discomfort. That being said, I do not have any risidual swelling, which some have for up to a year post-op. I would imagine if you do have swelling, the heels would be more of a challenge. Prior to the procedure I was barely able to get my foot into a pair of heels, much less walk in them. I have a friend who had the procedure and is able to wear them without any issues now, so it just takes some time, and patience. I wouldn’t rush it, and I certainly wouldn’t plan to wear them for an extended period of time right off the bat, but it doesn’t take long to be able to wear them for a short duration.
DeleteDon't know if anyone is reading this in real time, but I wanted to thank Parsifal for starting it. It was quite helpful in the lead-up to my cheiliectomy earlier this week.
ReplyDeleteMy experience was very similar. Walking around on big bone spur R foot for two years. Finally had it done Tuesday. No pain at all (nerve block) until Wednesday. Wednesday was rough, I have to say. By Thursday afternoon I was off the Vicodin. Today is Saturday, and I have no pain at all, showering fine (with a big cast cover), walking short distances fine in the boot/shoe thing. Even drove a short distance and ran some errands this afternoon. All and all very do-able and I will hobble on in to work (desk job) on Monday!
Thanks for all the information. It’s nice to have an idea of what to expect. Scheduled for great toe cheilectomy in June after seeing two foot & ankle orthopedic surgeons and a podiatrist. X-ray and MRI show bone spur on top of big toe joint, bone fragments in cartilage. I’m 43, on feet teaching throughout the day, practice yoga weekly, bike without pain, but don’t run anymore. Not sure what injury or impact caused condition. Shoes without stiff support and /or carbon insert cause me pain when walking a lot. Have been told to get flat post op shoe, wedge pillow for elevation and stool softener due to meds causing constipation. Ortho surgeon said no driving for 10 days, keep foot elevated, wear stiff shoe and swelling may persist up to six months. He thinks activities with stiff shoe will be fine after a few weeks (walking, biking, playing golf) but not activities with bending of the toe (yoga, or running, boo hiss). Will try posting update after surgery.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI had my first big toe cheilectomy on 29th Nov 2017 and the other big toe on the 7th Feb 2018 following arthritis and bony spurs causing pain to the point where I couldn't wear formal shoes. Golf is my main pastime and that became very difficult and painful to the point where I met with my Consultant (I'm UK Based). As at today, I would say my left big toe (The first one done) feels 90% back to where it was and with the exception of the occasional shooting pain and bit of heat through mild swelling (which Consultant advises is to be expected for around a further 3 months) it feels fine with decent levels of movement. My right toe is at the 4 week post op stage and seems to be progressing in line with what happened first time around. Key thing for recovery is not to rush things and follow the Consultant's and Physio's time plans - Physio is key and (pardon the pun) try not to run before you can walk! As far as the golf is concerned I'm optimistic (and so is the consultant) that by mid May I should manage a few holes and then by June/July full rounds pain free. It helped pre-operations to read the blog and subsequent comments - thanks all
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteComment from user Stradic edited by the blog owner (Stradic - please feel free to copy and resubmit, I will then delete this post).
ReplyDeleteTomorrow will be 5 weeks (March 12th, 2018) since my bilateral cheilectomy was performed by my Podiatrist. My first post-op appointment was 4 days later on Thursday when the bandages were removed. These days, the stitches just dissolve on their own so there was no need to have them removed. I had no "bruising" but did have swelling of course and some discharge on the right toe. I took Vicodin twice the first two days but switched to ibuprofen because I am staying home from work with my 3 yo son and it was making me loopy.
During the first two weeks and as long as there is swelling, I highly recommend foot elevation and ice packs.
I, like some others on here, feel as though I rushed to get moving again thinking that I was "feeling pretty good". Please do not be fooled! Everybody's situation is different but you have to take your time and stay off your feet and allow healing.
The pain that some are experiencing along the side of the foot and along the incision is due to the Medial Plantar nerve that runs alongside the inside of the foot. When the incision on top of the toe is made, they then have to spread your skin apart to perform the procedure. This causes some disruption to the nerve which causes the pain. It should go away in time of course but my Podiatrist said to try rubbing Vitamin E on top of the joint and along the incision to help.
I have stayed in my hospital shoes this entire time, which have been the most comfortable for me, whenever I leave the house. I am usually barefoot or in slippers around the house.
That being said, here are my issues/questions:
I am currently at 5 weeks and I have yet to be able to wear normal shoes. I have been trying to ease back into them the last few days but every step is pain in both toes. Yesterday, I wore them for about 3 hours and by the time I got home from running my errands, the were hurting a lot and both big toes were "hot" or inflamed I guess, if that makes any sense and for the next 6 hours until I went to bed, they hurt as much as before the surgery. The next day, the toes feel great until I try putting my shoes back on. Has anybody else had this problem or have any insight into the issue? Is it normal not to be able to wear shoes/steel toe shoes at 5 weeks? Is it just to early for me to be wearing shoes?
My pain and discomfort at this point only comes from wearing shoes. My problem is that I work in a factory where steel toe shoes are required and I am on my feet 6 hours per day and at 5 weeks along, I am still not able to wear my steel toe shoes or even regular shoes for that matter. Is this normal? Did my procedure not "take"?
I am supposed to return to work tomorrow but i am going to have to call my doctor and see what we should do.
Please respond if anybody has any thoughts at all, I really appreciate it.
Thanks
Hi! This blog has been my "go to" since before my cheilectomy on my painful left toe. The procedure they used on me was minimally invasive, with a lateral incision that only required one stitch.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was in la-la land and they were still operating, I asked the surgeon if he was satisfied, and he showed me the improved flexibility of my toe. I was a bit chatty throughout my procedure... They must have thought I was bonkers. I'm in Italy, by the way.
I was sent away with instructions to rest completely for the rest of the day and then to walk using the special shoe. That was it. At the follow-up check-up 6 days later, the bandage was removed and I was told to take my own stitch out the next day... I had been doing my own "physio" by manipulating my toe up and down and pulling it away from the joint. I had also started walking a bit without the special shoe. It hurt quite a bit and I was sure I'd overdone it! My surgeon assured me I hadn't and that it was best to keep it moving and to start using normal shoes if I felt comfortable enough. I was sent away with instructions to use an electro-magnetic therapy machine on it for 4 hours a day for 30 days, and to go to the swimming pool and do some sort of unspecified aqua-therapy. Oh, and yes, continue manipulating the toe manually. Ciao, see you in 3 weeks!!
So, I'm 3 weeks post-op and still getting pain while walking, which is frustrating me no-end as I used to be a very keen walker, and can now only manage a couple of km. There is is still a bit of swelling, but it is going down. I was led to believe that at this stage I would be pretty-much pain free. Thanks to this wonderful blog, I can now appreciate that recovery rates vary immensely and there is really no such thing as "normal"!
I go back next Tuesday, so I'll see what he says. I'm using the electro-magnetic thing - oh how they love their gadgets over here, but the swimming is a no-go as the 2 pools nearish to me are closed. I'm massaging, stretching, bending and using arnica cream on the swollen bit.
Really, though, the lack of post-op info and advice has been rubbish!
I appreciated and read this blog over the last year before I committed to my surgery. At 54, I’d stopped running in my late 40’s due to toe pain after a long trail marathon. My athleticism has decreased since then over the years and wanted to gain back some flexibility and hopefully able to run shorter distances again.
ReplyDeleteThree weeks ago I had my cheliectomy on my right toe. First week I was very compliant and rested, iced, left compression wrap on an elevated. Worked from my couch and off pain meds by the third day. By week two my back started to hurt and I pushed myself to walk with the boot around the house, on errands and traveled in a car for 9 hours by the end of week 2.
By week 3, because I think I was good about my resting, I was able to transition out of the boot into wide toe flats and soft exercise shoes. Although I didn’t exercise, I drove a few hours several days, walked for many hours at work but had to elevate, wrap and ice at the end of the day to elevate the swelling. No major pain, but trying to be a good patient. Getting out of the rigid boot and moving my toe breaks up the scar tissue from forming and is helping flexibility.
Now starting week 4, I’m riding the bike, elliptical and swimming - just no impact sports and moves, Feeling really good and hoping that in a few months (per the podiatrist) the swelling will stop, and I’ll start to try running and planking and less pain. I’m looking forward to future results as I can tell that the bone spur on the top of my toe is gone as it doesn’t hurt when I Flex my toe upward! Good luck to all!
Thank you for sharing. This blog is so helpful! I'm at Day 11 post surgery and have my first follow up appointment with my surgeon in two days. Based on my experience, I would strongly encourage the acute pain nerve block. Worked wonders for the first 1 1/2 days after surgery and only needed 4 percocets before transitioning to an advil/ibuprofen OTC mix. I started moving around on Day 3 and took my first shower then. Since Day 5, I've been up and around a bit more. I've opted for two weeks off from work to assist with healing. I work with many colleagues that have had orthopedic procedures ranging from knee/hip replacements to foot surgeries and they all strongly advocate for taking as much time as needed to heal properly. Thank God for my family but I do miss driving. I'm thinking it's about time!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments, its very useful. I have two questions for the community:
ReplyDelete1. Did anyone of you have cheilektomey even though you didn't have bone spurs, and what was the result of this?(I have pain, but no bone spurs. My surgeon still thinks cheilectomey will reduce pain)
2. Did any of you try stem cell treatment like PRP or IPRF, before or after the surgery? Quite a few clinics seems to offer this, but I can't find much information on the topic so I would be glad to hear some experiences on this.
So I waited for 6 weeks post surgery to comment. I generally found your blog very helpful. One exception though. I had an Osteotomy in addition to the Cheilectomy. This is not at all unusual to have both if the arthritis and bone spurs are more advanced and you are stage 2 to stage 3 in severity. They basically perform the Cheilectomy and then while in surgery, they see how much movement they get. If there is not enough, they perform the Osteotomy (cutting a wedge out of the bone and inserting a screw). If you have the Osteotomy as well, your recovery time will be increased fairly substantially. I think the average for getting in a shoe with just the Cheilectomy is 30 days post and its 6 weeks post with the Osteotomy. The big difference though is that there certainly isn't any walking out of the boot for 3-4 weeks with the Osteotomy. I flew 4 weeks after and swelled a little, but not all that much. It also happened to be the day I transitioned from the boot to the orthopedic shoe which allowed more movement and the swelling could have been due to this alone or in addition to the flight. At about 2-3 weeks I could clearly tell that the procedure was worth it - I was in far less pain at that point than pre surgery. I was a little too active in sports in my teens and twenties. Due to that I have a fairly high tolerance for pain and I have had quite a few orthopedic surgeries (11 including this one and that doesn't count my 3 broken vertabrae or my broken shoulder which didn't require surgery). On the scale of pain, this one really wasn't terrible, but I highly recommend staying off of it, medicating in front of actually being in pain and icing as much as you can. After the first few days, I really wasn't all that painful at all. In summary, if your issues are moderate to severe, this surgery is a no brainer.
ReplyDeleteI had the same--bilateral cheilectomy with osteotomy. I am 6 weeks post surgery and doing well, I think! An advantage of doing both feet at once is that you are forced to stay off your feet for the first 2 weeks and prevented from overdoing it. I was religious about elevating my feet for the first 4 weeks and have been doing toe stretching exercises since my 2-week follow up appointment. I am wondering if I have been too vigorous with the stretching I've been doing for the last 2 weeks since my big toe joints are more swollen and sore. My exercises: 10x pushing toe down for a count of 10 then releasing; 10x pulling tow up for a count of 10 then releasing. 10x full range of motion movement (down and back). I'm eager to regain flexibility but afraid to do too much. Today, I tried doing 20x both feet heel raises but when I tried one foot at a time it was too much. At 14 weeks, we will be leaving for a 10-day vacation to France so it's important to me that my feet do not hold me back. A few weeks ago, I began wearing 'Cloudies' 2-strap shoes that are very comfortable. 2 weeks ago, I added Birkenstock Milanos for work and going out a bit. Today, I put on Veja sneakers for the first time and they feel pretty good. The laces might be irritating the scar tissue a bit but we'll see. I have also been wearing foam or rubbery toe-spacers between my big and second toes to keep my joint alignment straight. I check this blog often to see others' experiences. I'm so afraid that my foot pain will be worse when all is said and done! Fingers crossed that I'll feel great (and all of you will, too!)
DeleteThis is a great right up. I just went through the cheilectomy surgery experience myself. On month two of recovery as I type. I been documenting the experience, including cheilectomy surgery photos on my site to provide real expectations and tips on what I learned along the way. Hope it helps those looking for more information on this apparently, common surgery. Hope others check it out too and provide some feedback in the comments.
ReplyDeleteJace, I believe I may have seen your blog - if it was the correct one, it was very nice, lots of good photos. I am happy to exchange links - put a link to my blog your page, and I will link to yours. This will help readers find all relevant resources. If you agree, please send your blog URL via the contact form.
DeleteHello. Luciole here. I had my 3-week post-op appointment today. Had my sutures removed, and all looks good. Got the go-ahead to drive, shower without covering my foot, and begin weightlifting and other exercises as tolerated. Best of all, no more ortho sandal. I’m transitioning into normal shoes as long as they don’t press on the incision; although they are healing well, they are still delicate and I need to be careful with them. I got a referral to PT to help ensure maximum mobility and to reduce the chance of scar adhesions. I was told I should be back to feeling pretty much normal at about 8 weeks, even though I might have some intermittent residual swelling for a few months. I have my final post-op appointment in 3 more weeks and will report back then. xoxo Luciole
ReplyDeleteHello Nikki here, had my op today I will be reading how you are getting on and hopefully be following you over the next few weeks
DeleteI think you should be able to get back to dancing in 2-3 months. I would not expect this to be possible sooner. You cannot rush healing of the joints, it takes time. The more you rush it, the bigger the risk of complications. Perhaps play some music instead?
ReplyDeleteDay 2- I am a 48 year old woman I had the cheilectomy yesterday. I was told the operation was successful and got back home last night. My foot was still quite numb and I got it elevated in bed for the evening. Last night I managed a few hours sleep but it wasn’t great. I had no pain but just couldn’t get to sleep. I have been given 60mg of codeine and 1000mg of paracetamol to be taken every 6 hours. I don’t take painkillers normally and I found this morning I was beginning to feel quite sick with the amount I was taking. The foot was not hurting but then I was on the painkillers. I am trying to cut down the painkillers now and find a better happy medium with it. I have also tried to eat just before taking the tablets. I have kept the foot elevated the whole time and to be honest it has given me no problems today. I managed to get to the bathroom with the heel bearing boot and crutches when needed. Thats day 2 nearly done and it’s not been that bad. I had a phone call from the doctor today saying I could have the stitches removed on the 28th July. That will be two and a half weeks after the op. I will update again tomorrow
ReplyDeleteHi Parsifal Thank you so much for the reply. I am going to be sensible and not rush it. To read your comment cheers me up. I hope in 2-3 months I will be able to do some easy dances once again. Today is Day 4 and I have stopped taking the painkillers. I am so pleased that I have no real pain as I rest and keep the foot elevated. I am managing to sleep at nights with my foot on pillows. It does hurt when I use the boot and crutches to go to the bathroom but it is early days. Tomorrow is the weekend and I am looking forward to having a few visitors. I will update again over the weekend.
ReplyDelete