Big toe - mtp fusion

[ol490]

In 2008 I had surgery on both of my big toe joints due to hallux rigidus from bone spurs and cartilage damage. My left foot basically didn’t have any cartilage left at that point and, post surgery, was better but always sore when hunting. I elk hunt every year and was able to go on a couple of sheep hunts as well.

However, over the last couple of years the bone spur is coming back, I’m losing range of motion again, and it’s sore to the point of possibly impacting my ability to hunt.

I’m going to go in and get it looked at. Maybe they will recommend another cheilectomy but I wouldn’t be surprised if they want to fuse it.

Any one have experience with a fusion of the mtp / big toe joint? If so, were you a hunting machine after it?

Footwear greatly matters with this but I’m past the point of boots allowing me to nurse this.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can share their experience with similar.

 

[crockett16]

In for replies, I've had HR for about 10 years turned 35 this year and it seems to be more bothersome the last 2 years.
i have yet to opt for surgery as specialists advised to tough it out as long as i can.

Its the worst when training in mma which ive done for 15+ years, mis stepping and folding over the toe puts me on the ground in pain and takes 2 days before i can walk painless again.

this year ive noticed more and more a heavy days work can leave it sore and inflammed, ive noticed pain on the bottom of the joint lately too.

Ive researched a fair amount
but have not gotten alot of info on this question.
How was mobility and pain post op, like a year after?
had you waited long before the diagnosis?
kind of hi jacking your thread but its not often i see much on the topic.

also feeling weary heading into the bush this year because the pain and discomfort has increased noticeable this year.

 

[ol490]

Crockett16 - my timeline leading up to surgery was as follows:
- left toe started hurting mid 2006
- right toe started hurting early 2007
- X-rays and diagnosed like June 2007
- had cortisone shots in the joints late June and went Dall sheep hunting in August.
- surgery in Jan and Feb of 2008- this re-established range of motion and relieved pain. My left toe joint had about zero cartilage left so it wasn’t pain free after but tolerable.

I hunted as normal during the fall of 2008 for archery and rifle elk plus went on another sheep hunt (not my tag) for bighorns in Wyoming. At this point I figured out the hard way that boots were critical. I have to wear rigid bottomed boots and am still searching for the perfect boots. FYI I’m currently breaking in Crispi Briksdale MTN SF’s which are their stiffest at 5 flex. These are the first that pretty much don’t leave me massively toe sore after a long hike. However, normal life is leaving me sore all the time, range of motion is going away, and the bone spurs are building again.

Good luck to you.

Hopefully someone will chime in concerning recovery and function after a full fusion as I fear that’s where I’m headed……

 

[crockett16]

thx for the reply, would you say the surgery was worth getting as it gave you 10+ years of improved mobility and ease of pain.
also do you think having the surgery has any ability to speed up the joints ability to create bone spurs, as in do you think the spurs are coming back faster?
my main reason for holding off on surgery has been a fear that it could grow back worse, and as it wasn't degrading too quickly i was willing to suffer the stiffness and soreness.

im also concerned that wearing stiff shoes could lead to a injury elsewhere down the road,
knees or hips, i can't say what it could or will lead too, but id rather have a nasty foot then knees or hips that dont work.

I feel for you, having to consider a fusion is something i really hope to avoid.
thx for taking the time to reply with the info you did