Toes Right Foot

[1330-30]

my toes on the right foot are moving towards the left. I am currently using gel spacers which are helping, however orthopaedic consultant has recommended major surgery to straighten them. Has anyone had similar problem/ surgery? Any advice would be appreciated.

[medway-lady]

Yes on my left foot and I went for surgery and I would not class as major at all. It meant bone being shaved, cut and plastered then in a boot for 6 weeks but to be honest the scars are invisible really, and I was able to walk normal, painfree and wear normal shoes again.

I rambled so walking pain free was important plus truthfully it was a vanity issue. It didn't hurt as they whack in something to deaden the pain afterwards and I opted to have some nerves removed as I had Morton Neuroma's as well. My toes were shortened a tiny bit and wired straight as was my foot alongside the arch. All tiny lines are invisible unless looked for and to be frank it was best thing I'd ever had done. By saying it's not major it really does need to be thought about but if it hurts ike my foot did then it was a no brainer. I'd make clear it was 2 nights in hospital and a few Fragamin ?? jabs which I did myself and I was able to walk etc pain free just had to put up with a blue orthopaedic boot for a few weeks.

PS My foot bends just like everyone else's although I was warned it was vital to do the exercises like walking otherwise it rarely thought can mean a flat type of foot. I wear heals and no issues.

[1330-30 in reply to medway-lady]

thanks very positive.

[medway-lady in reply to 1330-30]

All things involve a risk, but when the pain is bad you know it’s time to do something. My toes were broken and I didn’t even know until the removed the plaster to check after 2 weeks and I saw the bruising. Honestly it never hurt more than a minor ache, it was much worse last year when I broke my leg and ankle. I was advised to keep hips level when wearing the boot as pulling on one side is not good. So out of retirement in the loft I had a pair of platform wedges, bought in the Chelsea Road being yellow in colour and trendy back in the day. I kept as wore on honeymoon so had sentimental value although now would be vintage. I thought I looked quite fetching wearing one yellow shoe and a blue boot. So beware these operations can lead to attacks of bad taste. My husband said not fetching but definitely funny.

PS oddly enough RA has never affected my right foot at all.

[Runrig01]

I have ankylosing spondylitis, and on my left foot have 2 toes that are subluxed inwards. I have no control over them, havd had them 4-5yrs, but are worse now, so being referred for surgery, as wearing any enclosed shoe is agonising. My right foot is now starting to do the same

[1330-30 in reply to Runrig01]

Good Luck

[LinaM]

my toes were beginning to turn over each other ( middle toes)and I was developing bunions . I started doing exercises every morning and night to stretch them and straighten and at first didn’t seem to be doing anything . However after a couple of weeks I noticed I could actually move them without using my hands and now they’re all pretty straight ( apart from pinky toes) Please forgive me if you’ve tried this already as I know everyone is different but just in case it may be worth a try . x

[greynot in reply to LinaM]

What exercises did you do? My toes are starting to wander and I'd like to stop them!

[LinaM in reply to greynot]

There are a lot of videos on YouTube showing exercises to correct bunions and realign toes. I’d start with a warm up stretching the toes upwards ( placing them on a ball or with my other heel) and lengthening them ( pointing as far away as possible thinking of spreading them at same time ) Then , using bands or my hands, I’d move them beyond the correct position and hold for 30 seconds ( or as long as comfortable) . However , I’m not a physio and just winging it … but it definitely worked for me and I maintain my feet my doing the stretches on a regular basis . Like I said , I can now move toes that had been stuck for years and those beginning to move out of place are now straight . Really hope this helps you ! X

[greynot in reply to LinaM]

Thank-you so much LinaM. I often find that what you feel.is right does work for your own body.This sounds so practical.

I have been seeing a physio who gives some exercises that you can incorporate into day life, which I find much more likely to do! Especially as,like so many of us, I have issues in so many places.

[1330-30 in reply to LinaM]

I will try it, better than radical surgery. Thanks

[wishbone]

Both of my big toes have become dislocated, due to bunions I believe. My left big toe has angled inward and crossed over the adjacent toe while the right one has gone under the adjacent toe. Five years ago I was refered to an orthopaedic consultant with a suspected broken toe. He said as long as I can manage to get by then he thought my toes were best left alone, not I believe, because they did not need surgery, but due to my general health which I never thought was that bad so it came as a bit of a shock hearing him say it. My toes have since got worse and I need to make regular visits to a podiatrist, I have orthotic insoles which help, but I can still get by providing I limit how far I walk. Good luck getting your's sorted.

[1330-30 in reply to wishbone]

Thankyou

[1330-30 in reply to wishbone]

Thankyou

[wishbone in reply to 1330-30]

One thankyou is plenty.

[cyberbarn]

Have you seen a podiatrist or did you go straight to an orthopaedic surgeon? Surgeons will always recommend surgery, but podiatrists might be able to recommend some non-invasive treatments.

[1330-30 in reply to cyberbarn]

directly to the orthopaedic surgeon awaiting podiatry appointment which I requested via help line.

[skinclinic]

yes I had the same . I had to wait a fair bit but now I have had both feet / bunions / toes done

I had them done separately which to me was the better option as it was far easier to walk/ get about having one done at a time.

The recovery time is quite slow and I’d say from start to finish takes about 5 months

As another member has said - the scarring is now quite minimal

There was an initial ‘inconvenience’ because I had 2 pins sticking out of my toes for 6 weeks and I needed to continue wearing the black wooden Velcro shoe for another good 6 weeks - but all in all it’s been worth it

Also my surgeon removed 3 large rheumatoid nodules (that my rheumatologist had discounted - saying that they were only callouses) - so that was also an added bonus . Now I can walk again pain free and even wear my heels

[1330-30 in reply to skinclinic]

thank you greatly apppreciated.

[Canaries]

The toes on both my feet have moved outwards, towards the little toe. There is no space between them and the second toe on the left foot slipped over the big toe, almost at a 90 degree angle. All my toes are hammer toes. I wear bigger shoes with a wide fit. When I walk it’s like standing on pebbles. I saw an orthopaedic surgeon, had X-rays and was told if left untreated it could result in foot ulcers. I opted for surgery!

I had Akins and Stainsby procedures 5 weeks ago. I have the wires out next week. It wasn’t classed as major surgery, although it’s a long operation. I could have gone home that day but stayed overnight as my blood pressure was very low. If the operation allows me to walk on my left foot without pain I would opt to have the same op on my right foot.

Good luck and best wishes with whatever you decide.