cheilectomy (post-op) - Foot Problems Message Board

Lisa44 · 01-10-2008, 10:40 AM

I had a cheilectomy of my right big toe just over 8 weeks ago and whilst things seemed to be getting rather better 6 weeks ago (after a pretty horrendous time post-op till then) it now feels as though things are almost worse. Its like a deep stretching pain under the toe joint every time I walk on it (pretty strong pain) and I still cannot use any shoes other than my old, wide, soft trainers.....Whilst I have managed to do some walks despite quite considerable pain, (increasing it seems) I now have to take quite strong painkillers well before this. So I feel really disappointed and very concerned that maybe the op hasn't worked for me.

At my 2nd post-op appt. 2 weeks ago, I was told that it may well be that this sort of pain is due the better toe movement now putting more stress on the joint - which, they discovered,

Titchou · 01-10-2008, 11:50 AM

What sort of physical therapy did you do after the sutures were removed? And did they do an osteotomy (shave the bone off at an angle) too? What about drilling holes in the existing cartilege?

Lisa44 · 01-10-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titchou

What sort of physical therapy did you do after the sutures were removed? And did they do an osteotomy (shave the bone off at an angle) too? What about drilling holes in the existing cartilege?

Hello. I did the suggested pulling back of the big toe (after 2 weeks) several times per day and over the next wks this eased it quite a bit. I had bone taken off both sides of the toe and some shaved at an angle at the front and apparently they found I had "no cartilege left" around the toe joint - and seemed surprised, as this had not shopwed up in the x-rays or ultrasound (I assume this is the "arthritis"). It is now wondered whether the better toe movement now is putting extra stress on the joint...hence my concern. Is this common at this stage or can I assume its still just early days and is to be expected..? (My original message was not all printed (re the no cartilege left, etc...I don't understand why as its my first time on the site). Thank you for your help.

Lisa44 · 01-11-2008, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa44

I had a cheilectomy of my right big toe just over 8 weeks ago and whilst things seemed to be getting rather better 6 weeks ago (after a pretty horrendous time post-op till then) it now feels as though things are almost worse. Its like a deep stretching pain under the toe joint every time I walk on it (pretty strong pain) and I still cannot use any shoes other than my old, wide, soft trainers.....Whilst I have managed to do some walks despite quite considerable pain, (increasing it seems) I now have to take quite strong painkillers well before this. So I feel really disappointed and very concerned that maybe the op hasn't worked for me.

At my 2nd post-op appt. 2 weeks ago, I was told that it may well be that this sort of pain is due the better toe movement now putting more stress on the joint - which, they discovered,

Some of text of my posting was missing:...I need to know whether to expect this sort of pain at this early stage as am concerned re the finding of "no cartilege left" around toe joint (this didn't show in x-rays or ultrasound) and offers of a possible joint fusion - I;m unable to even think of another op so need info re what is actually 'normal' at 8 wks post-op. I also have some sharp pains occasionally on the site of the op and under, around ball of joint - even when not standing (i.e.in bed) but only sometimes....all comments will be really helpful to me as I try to keep positive and hope the op has worked. Thank you!

Titchou · 01-11-2008, 05:58 AM

It's my understanding that if there is absolutely no cartilege left, you should have had either an implant or fusion. You need some cartilege left for a cheilectomy to be successful. The pain is coming from the bones rubbing together with no cushion.
In the US, I'd be back at the surgeon's asking what the next procedure will be and when. I have no idea how that works with your NHS.