Who needs surgery for big toe arthritis? 

The aim of surgery is to relive pain and improve mobility. It may also be to improve foot shape and function. Surgery is only considered for patients who have not responded to simple measures such as pain relief, physiotherapy, podiatry or shoe modifications, People with the following may need surgery for big toe arthritis:

• Confirmed arthritis with pain that is so severe that it has an impact on your life, such as walking and standing;
• intermittent or constant pain through the night; or
• Pain when carrying out weight b earing exercises such as dancing and climbing stairs.
• Difficulty in getting comfortable shoes.

What happens during surgery? 

There are a number of options for big toe arthritis. These may include:

• cheilectomy: removing bone to reshape the foot and improve movement
• fusion: eradicating all movement by fixing with screws and/or plates
• replacement: this may be suitable for only a very small group of patients

Before surgery you may be asked to complete a questionnaire so we can measure the outcomes once you have recovered.

Surgery is usually performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic and some form of nerve block. You will need to stay in hospital for several hours or, sometimes, overnight.

Your surgeon will be able to give you further information about the different options, types of surgery and the specific risks and benefits.

Fusion of the big toe joint is the most common procedure offered.

Benefits of surgery

The outcome of foot surgery is usually good, but it doesn’t mean that everyone who has surgery will be completely pain free.

The main benefits are:

• Relief of pain and disability, or pain that may be significantly improved.
• Greater independence.
• A wider choice of more comfortable shoes.