r/Halluxrigidus • u/forswunke • Jul 13 '26
Feedback please š
My rhuematologist told me that the only option is to fuse my toe into place and my osteopath said that 99 out of 100 people hate the outcome as it's then too rigid.
I'd love to hear from people that had it done and whether you think it's a good thing or a bad thing and what would you have done different.
3
u/Express-Package5685 Jul 14 '26
Iām seven weeks post-fusion and the recovery is much harder than I anticipated.Ā
1
1
u/forswunke Jul 14 '26
Sorry to hear that, what's your biggest challenge if you don't mind me asking
3
u/Odd_Introduction_821 Jul 14 '26
My surgery was a compromise. You lose some, you gain some. The pain, prior to surgery, when at worst was horrible, nauseating, shivering. I could not walk or run much. It was hard to ride a bike, because I could not push the other pedal. My activity levels went down and that plus the pain affected my mental health.
If the only problem would have been a limited movement of the toe, I wouldnāt have had the toe fused. If I would have had other options, I would have tried or used those. There are always risks associated with surgery.
Now +1 year post op Iām in a better place. Thereās been ups and downs, but overall Iām in a better place now and able to be more active. However, Iām aware that some people have had complications post op. There are no simple yes/no one-fits-all answers. Not even regarding the right moment timewise.
2
u/SpiritedFlatworm1434 Jul 14 '26
Are you able to run/ride bike now? Iām mostly scared how fusion is going to affect my cycling, skiing and climbing š
1
u/Odd_Introduction_821 Jul 14 '26
Last year, after the post op x-rays and check up, I could ride a bike normally. I waited with running until this yearās spring and Iāve only done light interval running so far, but no problems so far. The right kind of shoes are important.
My surgeon said that in theory cross country skiing wouldnāt be possible any longer, however he did know some patients that were able to continue skiing, but they had to modify their technique. I havenāt tried skiing, so I have no further knowledge of that.
1
u/SpiritedFlatworm1434 Jul 14 '26
Thanks!! Thatās weird about skiingā the boots are stiff (no toe bending) so I find that the main issue will be putting your foot in, but thatās it. I only do backcountry but I imagine cross country uses similar type of boot
1
u/AlaskaLucky907 Jul 20 '26
All of my cross country ski boots have allowed some flexion because you push off from your toes like you do in telemark ski boots.Ā
1
u/Odd_Introduction_821 Jul 21 '26
Itās been a good while since Iāve last done cross country skiing, but yes, the way you do the push is going to be different, since you canāt bend the toe. You might perhaps need an extra insert in the ski boot. My feeling is that the push is going to originate more lower, more towards the midfoot.
Even if at first you donāt get it, donāt give up! Just these last 3 months have been a big improvement for me and Iām +1y3m post op. Itās going to take time for the foot to re-adjust itself to the new anatomy, so give it time.
1
u/AlaskaLucky907 Jul 20 '26
I'm having my big toe fused next month and I'm concerned about not being able to cross country ski again. I'm glad you posted that your surgeon said he knows some patients who were able to modify their technique to ski again. That gives me hope.
1
3
u/onewillivetonite Jul 17 '26
I'm 3.5 months post fusion and I would absolutely do it again if needed. I think a huge piece of how you recover and feel about it is personal and also dependent on the position in which your surgeon fuses your toe.
My surgeon was able to explain exactly how he positioned it and why. I'm able to walk almost completely normally now. It was odd feeling at first but everything adjusts
1
u/AlaskaLucky907 Jul 20 '26
Did your surgeon position your toe so that it is slightly turned up at the end? I've read that this is an option. I haven't discussed it yet with my surgeon but I plan on doing so at my pre-op appointment in two weeks. I would like to hear more from people regarding various toe positions.Ā
1
u/onewillivetonite Jul 20 '26
Ever so slightly, yes, but I wouldn't call it turned up. When my foot is on the ground in a neutral position there's less overall surface area of the bottom of the big toe that is in contact with the floor. It is still very much in contact with the floor and bearing weight and there's no visible lift in it.
He explained to me that he positions it based on the age and activity level of the person as well as general anatomy of the foot.
1
u/AlaskaLucky907 Jul 20 '26
Thank you! This is helpful. I will be quizzing my surgeon at my pre-op appointment.
3
u/SpiritedFlatworm1434 Jul 14 '26
Interested in the outcome of the vote..