I know this has been discussed before but I couldn't find it using search. I've been told I need 1st mtp fusion and am very concerned. I'm an active cyclist and tennis player... (when my foot doesn't hurt) and am only 31.

If my toe is fused this means it wont move..right? How will I walk, run etc. She told me that it wouldn't hinder me but I don't see how this can be.

Also, I've never had to be nwb in a cast for 8 weeks so am a little concerned about this. Is the cast fiberglass or plaster? So many questions.... any info is greated appreciated.

I would talk to another dr. I 1st seen an orthopod the problem I have with my feet(Hallux Rigidus) and his only solution was to fuse the great toe joint. Not what I wanted so I went to a board certified foot surgeon/podiatrist and he preformed a surgery where he cleaned up the joint and cut the bone and realigned the bones to work properly. The 1 st one went very well considering the shaped the joint was in, it was bad, it was virtually locked in place just a couple degrees of motion. The 2nd one I am still recovering from, but it is going well.

I would talk to a different Dr just to make sure that is the only solution.

I agree. You don't say where you are in Florida but I recommend that you call the nearet major college athletic department (Gators, Seminoles,etc) or the front office of the nearest pro football or basketball team (Magic, Bucs, etc) and ask who they use for "turf toe" problems. Go see that doctor.

try to avoid fusion. see another dr. scott, why did your dr propose fusion in the 1st place?

I am going for a third opinion the weeek after next. The first doc wants to remove some bone and reconsctruct the area. The second podiatrist thinks removing the bad bone will cause more hallux varus and wants to fuse the joint. I'm going to a very well known orthopod at the next appointment and will wait to see what he says. i don't like knowing that the joint will never ever move again.. That freaks me out.

hallux varus? I thought you were talking about hallux limitus/rigidus. If it is hallux varus then the fusion may be the best option. If it is hallux limitus then there are several options but it needs to be based on how bad the joint is. If there is no cartilege left then implant or fusion is your only option or you will have bone grinding on bone. If there is any cartilege left then the cheilectomy and possibly the reallignment may be a good option. Your 3rd opionion will recommend a cheilectomy or a fusion based on the condition of the joint. You need to go with what ever doctor you feel more comfortable with and listens to what your goals are. Your goals may be unrealistic but they need to explain to you why that is.

Hi Seatomas - I didn't have a toe fusion, but I had fusion between the 1st metatarsal and the cuneiform bone and I was nwb for 8 weeks. The first two I was in a hard "half cast" which went from under my foot up the back of my leg and was held on with ace wraps. At least I could take it off for very short periods of time to relax my ankle. After two weeks I was put into a walking air cast boot. I had a hard time getting the hang of walking on it so I still used the crutches for a couple more weeks then I was able to "walk" in the boot. Of course it was my right foot so I wasn't able to drive! One good thing was pain was not as bad as I had anticipated. It was more inconvenient then painful.

Good luck and keep us posted on your next appt.

Mary in NY

i hope this ortho surgeon will give you the correct option.

Thanks for the opinoins... Yes it is Hallux Varus unfotunately. It's left over from when I had a partial sesamoidectomy about 10 years ago. No the toe points out and hurts bad after being on it. I'll let you all know what the 3rd guy says.

Take care everyone!