Year 2 (post-cheilectomy surgery)

Back to “near” normal walking

Hard to believe it’s already been a year since I wrote my 1-year post-cheilectomy surgery post. Covid’s still around, vaccines are getting shot in arms are here we are.

So 730 days ago I had this surgery to remove some bone spurs that built up on my big toe due to trauma over the years as described in my previous posts.

I can tell you straight out, I would do it over again. Am I at 100% back to normal? Heck no, nobody is after you let another human use some knives and cutting tools inside your body.

But I think I am topping out around the 85% mark. I am not able to bend down or up as far as my non-surgery toe. But I can walk or run in shoes and wouldn’t even know I had surgery.

I can even do weighted walking lounges (with shoes), and for those that lift, know you need a strong flex in the big toe and the big toe cannot hurt. So that should say a lot. And for the first time, I played sand volleyball all last year with no issues, and I did actually slightly stub it too (too many of those will get you in the cheilectomy surgery club), but all was good shortly after.

And from stubbing it, I lost my big toenail, after it first turns black/blue and finally breaks apart from the toe (takes about a month). This is actually the second time in my life I lost a big toenail (both on surgery toe). You will see it has grown back about 50% in the 24-month picture in this post.

But what about barefoot (or socks) walking around the house?

I still prefer using loafers, walking without shoes is fine. What’s weird is some days are better then hours (depends on how much activity day before?). Some days may not notice it all, others I may notice the 15% of less flex compared to a non-issue toe.

But all in all, having this surgery was much better than getting the toes fused together.

I am not sure if you can tell in the pictures, but when looking at 12 months and 24 months in terms of flex, improvement is about the same now, but the pain or when it maxes its flex is near zero, or 1-2 on a pain scale if there is pain.

Keep your stretching (aka physical therapy going)….

I stated this before, as per my 12-month post, but 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.

In summary, after two years post cheilectomy surgery, I think I am where I should be based on my expectations prior to surgery. You will never be back to 100%. But I think if you can make it back to the 80%+ range and all activities, that is a win and success in my beak.

View surgery wound and flexibility 24 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.

9 thoughts on “Year 2 (post-cheilectomy surgery)”

  1. Thank you very much for the blog and for your experiences! On October 23, 2023, I will have surgery on my right foot, and at a later date it will be time for the left one. I’m really afraid of this surgery because I’m an active person, I go to the gym 4 times a week and sometimes run.

  2. Hi Jace,

    I just had a cheilectomy, and I wanted to say how resourceful this blog has given me inspiration for improving the flexibility in my big toe. I’m curious how you have faired at year 3. I know you mentioned that walking and running in shoes is painless, but are you able to sprint? Do you run regularly?

    Best,
    Patrick

    1. Hi Patrick,
      That is great to hear you found it helpful, and a big reason I documented my journey. I actually plan on doing an update for all coming up soon as I will be coming up on 4 years since the surgery, come this April (2023). In short, I still workout, enjoy summer volleyball (barefoot), and my running is typically on a treadmill with no issues there. I will be taking pics, measuring flex etc.. just like the previous and providing additional context for an update for all, as there’s quite a few checking in here, which is great to see. Take care!

  3. Jace,
    Thanks for doing all these updates. Very helpful to say the least. I’m scheduled for same surgery, same toe, late next week. The one question I have concerns age and speed of recovery. Any thoughts to share on that? I’m 64 years old and no athlete, but have always been a very active, outdoor person. Thanks, Dave

    1. I am 63 and the previous reply talks of my experience to week 8 where I am at in a few days.

  4. Hi Jace

    I just wanted to thank you so much for your blog. I am at my 6 week point after Cheilectomy surgery on my right big toe and your detailed and honest blog has really helped me, especially when I have felt a bit down with the pain. Your constant reminders with regards to stretching keeps me going. I’m in the position that after a walk my lower back and hips ache but I hope that improves over time. Thanks again.

    1. Sorry for the late reply, but if your hips or lower back start hurting, you may still be inadvertaly adjusting your walking gate without even realizing it. Hopefully its better now, but something to keep an eye on.

  5. Hi Jace,
    I am scheduled for hallux rigidus surgery on October 28,2021. Normally, I would not be really concerned about the surgery, but my husband and I are going on a month cruise in January 2022. I am a little concerned if my foot will be up to it. My doctor says “no problem.” Would you feel comfortable in going , doing a lot of walking, snorkeling? Should I postpone surgery until we get back?

Comments are closed.