Had my left big toe fused after suffering with arthritis in the joint at the base of the toe for years. Has been 5 months now, and gradually seeing things improve. Still unable to move the joint near the end of my toe very far, also foot still swells if I try to walk barefoot. Wondering if this is normal for this stage and will improve over time! Any advice would be appreciated!
Hi Claire, I wonder if your lack of movement is due to the fusion itself as you loose the joint mobility? I've just had my midfoot first joint fused and ligament stabilisation. I'll be out of my cast Wednesday. I think I would go to a good private foot physio for an assessment....or speak to a podiatrist. More rehab, icing, exercises and time to get more improvement may be needed. Keep asking questions until you feel like you've got it to the best state it can be? I have all my rehab to come and I think it's massively important for the best possible result. Alk the best.
Hi Jo. Thank you for your reply. Knew I'd lose movement from the main part of my toe as I no longer have the MTP joint, but surprised by how little I can move the top of my toe. It's not near the plate but was wondering if scar tissue might be a problem? I have another hospital appointment in a month's time (if I need it - was told to cancel it if not), so will have to ask then if no better. Physio hasn't been mentioned in my case, but there may be exercises I can do myself to get more mobility. This joint is more important for waking now. I bet you can't wait to get your cast removed (I know I couldn't)! Take care and all the best with your recovery.
Hi Claire, I'm only about 4 weeks post-op big toe fusion and hammertoe surgery. The first two toes on my left foot will not lie flat. I'm not in pain, but I'm devastated (and worried) to learn that neither of my toes touch the ground when I stand up (only for a minute or two after bathing). I'm still in my "boot" post-op, but even in my boot I can tell that neither toe lies flat like the other toes do. My surgeon did NOT mention lack of toe mobility following this surgery, and that seems like a pretty big deal to have left that part of our pre-op discussion unsaid. He did tell me I would have pins/plate etc. in these toes, but I didn't make the connection that I wouldn't be able to move them. Of course I feel stupid now that I didn't infer that. I can see now how a pin would prevent mobility. Duh. I'm so sad about this. It feels so wrong and weird. I see you wrote your post 2 weeks ago. Has there been any improvement in your toe mobility since then?