toe surgery - Foot Problems Message Board

rj6445 · 10-05-2006, 06:18 PM

Hi all
New to this board and I have a question. I went to see a DPM(foot doctor) about sharp pain in my right big toe joint and he said it needed surgery. I have also been seening an Ortho MD for shoulder pain and he has scheduled me for surgery on it. My question is-In ya'lls veiw which is the better to operate on my toe, the DPM or MD?
Thanks

Titchou · 10-05-2006, 07:43 PM

Well, what exactly are your diagnosis and the surgery planned (medical names for them)? There are certain conditions that are athletic related that call for a sports med foot doctor. Others may call for a DPM. Others may call for a rheumatologist.

We need more info to help you.

horsies · 10-05-2006, 09:40 PM

I would see the DPM for your toe- he/she specializes in this area of the body. I see my regular Doc for normal sickness but anything else I see a specailized Doctor for what ever the problem- Skin I see a dermatologist, Foot I see a DPM, ETC. If you decide to have surgery on your foot makes sure your DPM is also a board certified surgeon for DPM medicine.

rj6445 · 10-08-2006, 08:45 PM

Thanks all
I think my foor doctor called it Hallus Limitus?? I will probaly go with the DPM. He said it was an old injury that had develped bone spurs and arithritis. All I know it hurts like heck when I Hunker down on it while I'm working.
Thanks again.

Titchou · 10-09-2006, 07:26 AM

Ah, turf toe! (Or runner's toe or tennis toe, etc). I used a sports med ortho for my surgery (cheilectomy). Shaquille O'Neal had one in 2002 when he was with the Lakers. It's a very common athletic injury that can go very bad.
Just be sure whatever doc you use that he's done a lot of this procedure, that he's dedicated to getting you active (some just fix it and send oyu on your way when you really need to be doing intensive exercises aftewards for a good outcome) and that you are comfortable with his level of expertise. I always tell people the way to find the best doc for this procedure in your area is: a) if oyu have a pro basketball or football team nearby, call thier front office and ask who they use for this condition or b) if you have a major college athletic program nearby, ask who they use. Either method will get you someone very well versed in this condition. Good luck!