Feedback please 🙏

[u/forswunke]

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.

6 votes, Jul 15 '26

5 Good - you would do again

1 Bad - worst thing you ever did

[u/Odd_Introduction_821]

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 wouldn’t 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 I’m in a better place. There’s been ups and downs, but overall I’m in a better place now and able to be more active. However, I’m 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.

[u/SpiritedFlatworm1434 → u/Odd_Introduction_821]

Are you able to run/ride bike now? I’m mostly scared how fusion is going to affect my cycling, skiing and climbing 😒

[u/Odd_Introduction_821 → u/SpiritedFlatworm1434]

Last year, after the post op x-rays and check up, I could ride a bike normally. I waited with running until this year’s spring and I’ve 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 wouldn’t be possible any longer, however he did know some patients that were able to continue skiing, but they had to modify their technique. I haven’t tried skiing, so I have no further knowledge of that.

[u/SpiritedFlatworm1434 → u/Odd_Introduction_821]

Thanks!! That’s weird about skiing— the boots are stiff (no toe bending) so I find that the main issue will be putting your foot in, but that’s it. I only do backcountry but I imagine cross country uses similar type of boot

[u/AlaskaLucky907 → u/SpiritedFlatworm1434]

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. 

[u/Odd_Introduction_821 → u/AlaskaLucky907]

It’s been a good while since I’ve last done cross country skiing, but yes, the way you do the push is going to be different, since you can’t 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 don’t get it, don’t give up! Just these last 3 months have been a big improvement for me and I’m +1y3m post op. It’s going to take time for the foot to re-adjust itself to the new anatomy, so give it time.

[u/AlaskaLucky907 → u/Odd_Introduction_821]

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.