This is all very interesting. I am now trying to make the decision to have the right toe fused. My orthopedic surgeon was very informative and suggested to get custom orthotics and try them out for three months before making the decision for surgery. I have a desk job, got some wide toed sensible shoes, but due to the bone spurs and lack of motion in the toe, and thickness of the bone, it causes extreme pain at times. I take off my shoes, put on my runners without the orthotics and get temporary relief. I also find that when driving the pain is so severe I can hardly stand it and want to scream. Bare feet is an option at home as most comfortable but sometimes the bone will shift and then again great pain! I have read a lot of comments about the cons of having surgery, but would really like to hear from someone who has had the fusion and have had success.
Sometimes I just want to get the surgery done and over with to lessen the pain, and my walking and enjoyment of life has considerably changed, due to a couple of years of poor posture, walking on the outside of the foot, and now at times the right knee buckles. The orthotics help in ways, but it is very difficult to find shoes that are comfortable, shoes that will fit the orthotics and shoes that are some what stylish for an office work environment.
Mr. Doctor said eventually over time the bones may fuse themselves, but what then? Has anyone had this happen and if so, was surgery required to correct the natural incorrect fusion positioning of the toe?
Need help to make a very permanent decision..