Any info on emotional and physical impact of toe straightening ops would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Tuzza]

Hi, can anyone give any feedback on toe straightening operations? I have not had surgery before and get about well (I do have custom shoe inserts though). I cycle and generally stay quite fit. However, toes really clawed. No pain except corn and difficulty finding comfy shoes. Right ankle turns out a fair bit too, so shoes wear our quickly on outside. Any info on how op went, recovery and positive/negative effects on gait, strengh, balance etc would be really welcome. I don't want to go down this road lightly but feel it could have a really positive impact for me (especially with wearing sandals!) in terms of self-image and also hopefully in terms of functionality. Thanks for reading this.

[Hidden]

Hi Tuzza, I had two toes straightened in the late 90s, I have thought about getting my right foot toes done as well but its the long recovery period that puts me off, obviously we are not all the same, it took more than 3 months for the swelling to stop, 6 months to start feeling the benefit and about 12 months for a full recovery. Good luck.

Ulrich

[Tuzza in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. 12 months is a long time! The benefits of staying active probably outweigh having an op and recovery time involved it seems from this. Use it or lose it - faster anyway for us funny feet folk!

[jay1975]

Hi i had all of my toes straightened and fused on my right foot as well as a rebuild too. I found that my balance was affected and because my ankle was also fused all flexability went in my lower right leg, sorry it might just be because i have a rare cmt but i am having the same operation in a few months because my foot has begun to reject the pins plates and screws i had fitted and begun to curl again.

[Tuzza in reply to jay1975]

Thanks - good luck with all this. Not going to do anything rashly. Keep smiling!

[Denster]

Hi.I had several attempts of toe straightening operations when I was 11 yrs old way before anyone knew I had CMT. The operations did absolutely nothing apart from causing a lot of pain and bullying at school even from some teachers I couldnt get proper shoes on. I am totally against operations on my feet now. I am very like you. I have quite painful feet and find it hard to find comfy shoes. I tend to live in boots in the Winter and trainers in the Summer. I also wear insoles. I have learnt to grit my teeth through the pain as Ive lived with it so long. I also have a physical job and on my feet most of the day. I love swimming because thats the one thing Ive always bin good at and it really helps me. Hope this helps you. x

[Tuzza]

Thanks too. I think I am quite lucky - not much pain. People think its okay to take the p too often. Good for you for keeping going and having such a positive attitude. I am going to do all I can to keep fit, mobile and as strong as possible and bugger what people say!

[carpy]

I had all 10 toes straightend in september 2010 best thing i ever did walking is so much more comfortable.No problems arfter surgery,was walking 48 hours later,all pins removed after 4 weeks apart from big toes they will stay permanentley, shoes on after 5 weeks a little uncomfortable but worth it

[Becsh]

I had this surgery on one of my toes two years ago... I'm afraid my experience wasn't such a good one as now it's gone back worse than what it was because now it's another joint in the toe that's clawed as well. I had the surgery under local anaesthetic which was okay and the painkillers afterwards made me feel quite sick, but other than that the recovery was okay, just long as my foot was sore for a good 6 months or so, and it really hurt when the pin was pulled out because apparently it was supposed to come out really easily but mine didn't and needed a bit of a tug, and was done with no painkillers