Back to “near” normal walking
I think when I planned on writing my 1 year review, I never would have thought the entire world would have a pandemic going on with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue. Nor have the world so locked down that we forced over 20 million people unemployed, crashed the stock market (over 30% fall) and other unpleasant elements to add. Oh, not to mention there is a toilet paper shortage.
But this blog is not about the pandemic, so I will get on with it. You probably want to know what the cheilectomy surgery results are after 1 year or 365 days of healing.
Like the title states, overall I would definitely do it again. It’s allowed me to get back to near normal operations. Back to playing indoor volleyball and gym activities (although not at this time with Covid-19). And I was about to test sand volleyball activities but since that is considered too social, that is banned at this time as well.
Ok, enough about nagging on the virus consequences, I am able to walk and do all normal activities (jogging, gym, indoor volleyball etc..) that involved wearing shoes. I do not have to adjust my walk or gait at all to compensate for a throb in the toe.
But, barefoot is still unique. A normal walk engages nearly 90-95% of the max-flex of the toe. Just video record yourself walking and you will see how much your toe bends before the foot is picked up during a stride. So because I am at around 85% max flex, I still adjust my gait slightly.
And another thing I am hoping will slowly improve some more, is the slight pain( 1-2 out of 10 scale) at the joint during flex. Note, this should not scare anyone out of it. Surgeries take a long time to heal once you get past the 70% healing mark. My shoulder surgery took almost 2 years before I could say it was at 95% back to normal. And after 10 years, it is actually better than my non-surgery shoulder. So anything can happen in terms of recovery after there has been grinding and knives involved on your skeleton.
If there happens to be no further progress then where I am at today, I am still good with it. As I still remember the day before the surgery. Where my toe could only bend about 10% upward. And because of that had a pretty large gait and adjustment to walking, even in shoes. And other things were starting to hurt due to walking abnormally.
I am not sure if you can tell in the pictures, but when looking at 6 months and 12 months in terms of flex, improvement is there, but the pain or discomfort is just about the same.
Keep your stretching (aka physical therapy going)….
As per my six-month post, I can’t stress this enough. My doctor stated, “As soon as possible, start stretching and activities (within pain tolerance)”. As those darn tendons just want to stay tight after they get cut up. Stretching is key, keep on doing it daily. (I even fail at this and could do better).
Stretching, (started day 6 after surgery for me), includes standing or sitting and slowly step forward or lift the foot up where it starts to throb, hold it and then stretch a tad more for 30 seconds and release. You can also use your hand to stretch it as well.
If you make a habit of doing this each time in the morning (and evening), it typically feels much better for the day. A habit that needs to be formed daily, and then eventually can be relaxed to every couple days or so to keep improving. And remember, until your at 100% flex, there is room for improvement.
In summary, I don’t have anything fancy to say, but I will say if you are having issues with your toe due to previous injuries or stubbed toes (like me) and your doctor recommends cheilectomy surgery, go for it. The results and data for recovery and back to near normal activities are very promising. It beats the alternative which is fusing your toe. Then you can kiss your normalness good by.
View surgery wound and flexibility 12 months after surgery.
Did you complete the procedure? If so did your surgery/healing thus far match mine or differ in someway? Lets hear it in the comments below.
Hello all,
it was great to stumble across this web page, and get this off my chest..
I’m a 55 year old, active, healthy woman. I’m 2 1/2 years post cheilectomy surgery for Hallux Limitus on my right foot. My (podiatrist) surgeon encouraged the surgery because I was a runner, I would run 3-5 times a week, and the pain of the bone spur would only get worse if it wasn’t “corrected”.
I put it off for a few months, and finally decided to go for it. Convincingly, She told me it was an easy surgery, and had a 90% positive, effective outcome.
After the surgery was completed, and was in the recovery room( which was a few days before the world shut down with the Covid pandemic) she told me the surgery was a success, that she shaved off the spur, and drilled holes into the bone to create collagen production for healing, she straightened out my toe, and said that I would have a pretty seamless scar (she cut on the side of my foot, not on the top)
Fast forward 2 1/2 years later, what I have now is a tight, painful toe that won’t bend down, yet painful when I stand on my tippy toes , a lot of pressure, throbbing pain and swelling underneath around my seismoid bone,with An ugly, sensitive 4 inch keloid scar with permanent numbness 2-3 inches along the top part of my toe. Ugh
A year ago, I decided to go to a different doctor,(orthopedic surgeon) to get a second opinion, see what was going on, and to get a painful cortisone shot in my toe joint just so I could wear a slight heel for my daughters wedding. He did an an exam and X-ray, he told me my toe joint was riddled with arthritis and my toe joint will eventually fuse itself together on its own. My only options I have at this point is, I could get a total toe joint replacement, or a surgical toe joint fusion.( yep, nope.. Being a hairdresser, that would be a lot of time to take off work) Also I’m a bit jaded about having another surgery.
Btw, I wasn’t offered physical therapy (because of the shut down of covid), not sure if that would have helped.
I still “try” to run, the orthopedic doctor said I can’t damage it more than it already is.
Not 1 day of relief from this surgery, just debilitating arthritis around my surgical site. And then some.
Every day, I am reminded how much this surgery wasn’t for me. 🙁
I don’t want to discourage anyone from getting this surgery, just make sure you do your research, and find the right surgeon!
Rebe ✌🏼❤️
Hi,
I just had my my surgery own my left foot this past Jan, toe is less painful and I can walk with much less pain. The issue is I had the first surgery on my right foot last January and that’s not as good and now I have a feeling of tightness and an itchy
sensation toward the middle and heel of my foot. Like the skin has become tough. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
I am going back and forth about having the bunion removed and the toe plated or the joint rplaced which I would love. I have to make a quick choice as I am schedualed for the regular surgy Feb 4, 2022.
I need advise please.
Who had the joint replacement in NY? Who would you recommend? Did you get medicare to pay for the joint?
I am very active as I have a horse farm. Any advice please would be great. Thanks
I am due for cheillectomy surgery on both feet end of January. I am wondering if anyone has had both done at the same time. It just seems that with the time required for recovery I would rather go through this only once
Joy, I’m due to have both feet done in a month and I’m wondering how your experience was? Would you do it again or do you regret it?
I know you probably already have your answer. But for others, allow one to heal before doing the other. I just got back from cheilectomy surgery on my left. So, I’m relying on my right pretty heavily until it heals. I’ll take care of the left later.
I had a Cheilectomy on my left foot end of Jan 2021 and today I have pretty good range of motion with some pain but I still have swelling and unable to wear some of my shoes. Will this continue to get better or do you think I need to do something to try and help this.
I know I still walk a bit on the outside of my foot but try to correct this. I hear crunchy when I move my toe too. Any help would be great. Or should I go back to my surgeon?
Hi Robin, after 8-9 months there really shouldn’t be much swelling going on. And yes, there may be some slight “crunching”, which is more likely the tight tendons moving (I still have today that if flat foot/on concrete and walk normal etc..). You could always go back and let them know about the swelling, and validate all is normal from their perspective.
At this point, you really should be able to wear any shoes and not even notice it.
Was your surgery a typical cheilectomy surgery? Did they notify you of any potential challenges/issues pre/post-surgery? Like mine, post surgery they said they had to dig/scrape a bit under the joint so it could flex as expected (not typically done). This is also why I feel I have the extra crunching/tendon movements. Unless your shoes are high heels, very tight or slipper type shows I guess could be different. I am a dude and where typical runner/sandals/walking/dress shoes 99% of the time Robin can be either gender so no judgement here:). Good luck.
Thank you for getting back to me. I am a gal. lol
I think I will make an appointment to be checked out to make sure things are looking okay on the foot. Thanks for the input and have a great day!
I’m a retired xray tech that just went through this procedure. I also had a biopsy to the back of my toe. And I’m not surprised everyone is having different recoveries going from two years and would never do it again, to no formal PT and doing just fine in a few months. Everyone is of different physical abilities to different ages and different health status. And I feel blessed after reading this blog.
I’m almost 70, and as I said retired, over weight, and I don’t walk except everyday movements. I had this procedure 3 weeks ago, and I’m almost pain free and can flex and extend my toe fine. I was offered at my checkup more percoset and said no, I’m not taking even aspirin now. I have been told I went to the foot MD that is the best in Pennsylvania and I believe it. How much was him, how much was my body I can’t say but I’m walking around barefoot and doing just fine. My foot looks like the photo of the six week follow up even though it’s been just a few weeks. Best of luck to you all. I’m glad I had this done.
Hi there- can you tell me what surgeon you saw? I had a chilectomy about 8 years ago and it is getting worse. I need to talk to another surgeon and I am in PA.
Thanks-
Karen
Hi there- can you tell me what surgeon you saw? Would like a second opinion on my post surgery, and I am near PA.
I am now two months shy of two years post surgery. I was not able to walk more than about 3/4 of a mile before surgery. I am now walking 3-5 miles a day. I have walked as far as 7 miles. So, I’m very glad I had the surgery. However, I still have pain. It isn’t the pain I had before, and it doesn’t keep me from walking, but it is still with me all the time. I am certain there is still some inflammation within my joint. Still hoping it will get better, but it is chronic at this point.
I HAVE GOT A LOT MORE PAIN 4 MONTHS POST-OP THEN BEFORE THE OPERATION.
I AM BEING TOLD THAT THERE WAS POSSIBLE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE NERVE BLOCK.
I AM CROSSING MY FINGERS THAT WITH TIME THE PAIN WILL SUBSIDE.
PAUL
Have you started any Physical Therapy? I had not done that initially and finally did and boy do I wish I had started earlier. They can help with things that a surgeon may not even think about.
Hey Paul, thats very unheard of. Be curious if you have any update to provide.
I would be interested in knowing if any of the folks commenting have arthritis in the big toe? And how are you managing this? I have some and knew this before surgery, but Iv e been told now at 3 mos post op that my arthritis is worse. Crazy!!!! I’m still on anti-in flammatories and have had a cortisone injection. Has anyone else had this experience and what has worked for you?
Great blogpost! Lots of good info, questions and feedback here too. I had my left big toe surgery late 2019 at age 48. I am very active. Love to run and mountain bike. Prior to surgery my pain was pretty bad. I had several injections over many months but the pain returned. Walking was painful… lots of swelling and discomfort. I also got custom carbon fiber insoles$$…I do also have flat feet. Had surgery and wore the open toe sandal for a while then the big awful boot for a very short time. Had PT and was told to get a slip on type shoe one size up. That was the best advice at the time. Followed my PT exercises and slowly return to normal-ish. About 3 months later here in March when CoVid caused Armageddon I started to run again to stay sane. Over the summer I have been running 3-5 miles a few days a week in addition to long walks. I have very little pain but as others mentioned I do have some discomfort around the ball of my foot. Stretching massaging it seems to help. I still wear my custom insoles as they do seem to help keep things supported. Moral of the story? …not sure I have one but now 8 months out and feel I am at about 90-95%. Like I said I still have some pain but nothing awful. Hoping given time I can reduce the remaining (often intermittent) discomfort. I would definitely recommend this surgery.
I am 6 1/2 weeks post cheilectomy right big toe. Foot still swollen so it is very hard to wear shoes. I find flip flops and barefoot are about the best which isn’t good fo I would think when I take my daily walk.
How long was the swelling for you and how did you manage to get shoes on. Doctor told me at least 3 months or more and I should buy a size larger shoe.
Hi Susan,
I am 6 1/2 weeks out from a cheilectomy on my right big toe as well. I cannot put on a shoe but continue to alternate between 2 pairs of Birkenstocks for outside walking- good thing it’s summer! It feels so much more secure and comfortable than regular flip flops. My doctor totally approved as well. I’m glad I found a place where I can hear about actual experience with this surgery.
Good Morning,
Surgery December 4, 2019. Left toe
I was 56 years old the time of the surgery
I would hike twice a day with the dog. Non sedentary job
Average level of fitness.
For two months Post surgery I had horrible daily headaches.
Pain in right hip, worse than toe, very difficult to do daily walks because of hip.
I went to physical therapy to help relieve hip pain.
Stretched toe post surgery 4-5 days a week.
Not a runner but I can run a mile or two post surgery. I can flex the toe but not able to do a squat lunge.
Heels: nothing over 1 1/2 inches, will definitely need to slowly get re-accustomed to wearing heels but because of COVID and I’m not getting dressed up for work.
Some mornings I can walk barefoot around the house other days it’s painful.
I feel as if I have good days and bad days with my foot and right hip.
If I over stretch I have pain in the ball of the foot.
When I’m on bumpy terrain while hiking, and step on a stone, I see stars I have shooting pain in the toe around the toe and ball of the foot.
Flat terrain in sneakers it’s pretty smooth sailing.
I ‘feel’ as if though ligaments or tendons have shortened??
Is that possible? Surgeon dismissed the question he’s tried giving me some complicated explanation of what was causing the pain.
I had a telemedicine visit with the surgeon July 15th, he recommended some longitudinal metatarsal foot pads.
He didn’t seem overly concerned about the pain in the ball of my foot he did suggest I see a physical therapist about the hip pain.
What type of PT for your toe did you find most helpful?
As I mentioned earlier I have good days and bad days was that the same for you?
Thank you
I had cheilectomy surgery on my left foot 4 years ago, and just went back yesterday for the same surgery on my right foot. I was going to put it off until the end of the year, but with all races canceled so far this year, there was no sense waiting. If I get half the relief and range of motion that I did with the other foot, it will be well worth it!
Katherine,
As a runner, how long was it before you could start running again after having your first Cheilectomy? I’m getting ready to schedule my first and am very apprehensive/nervous. I’m supposed to run the Chicago Marathon in October but am having my doubts that it will happen due to COVID-19 hence why, like you, I’m thinking of doing this since all races are cancelled for the summer/fall.
Hi , I am also a keen runner. I have been diagnosed with Hallux Limitus in my right toe caused by a bone spur.
I was going to do my first full marathon this October but my Hallux Limitus is causing me constant pain, especially after long runs. During runs I am aware of the pain and stiffness but don’t know if the marathon training will cause further damage over the next few months.
I am unsure whether to go straight for the cheilectomy or do the marathon first then the surgery later in the year?
Could you advise if you had the surgery and how you coped mentally and physically with not being able to run? I am really concerned I will struggle with this aspect more so than the pain of the surgery and recovery.
Did you have any other feet pains that came up after your surgery? I am at three and a half months after my surgery. My range of motion in my big toe is pretty good, but I have pain in the balls of my feet now like my weight is not distributed properly.
Hey Cody, the only pain I had in the past year was just around the joint of the surgery itself. I was even adjusting my gait of walk (leaning on outside of the foot to prevent the toe from bending due to pain) for a good 8 months or so prior to surgery, and still never had anything else hurt. Prior to the surgery, how long were you “adjusting your walk”? It’s possible overcompensation has caught up with it a bit.
My initial injury that caused me to have hallux limitus was 2 years before the surgery. I didn’t have much pain in other parts of my feet until a few months before the surgery. I was wearing custom insoles for a year or so too. I think those just made me have bad walking form and I am still adjusting back. I go back for one last checkup in two weeks so I will see what the doctor thinks.
Hi Cody
Maybe the area is tight and causes troubles. Perhaps you can try massage sole and balls of feet using a tennis ball. Placing it under the feet and rolling the feet over it given a nice massage.
Hope it gets better
Natalie
I have that too at 3 mos post op and my doc thinks I have arthritis in my sesamoid bones in the bottom of my foot (at the ball). I didn’t have this pre-op so not sure why I do now.
Has yours improved?