Orthopaedic Center of the Carolinas

Post operatively I have done very well. I have had very little discomfort. Dr. Lynagh, the anesthesiologist, did a nerve block before surgery making my leg numb from the knee down. Anesthesiologists do these regularly on our patients for additional post-op pain control. It lasted at least 48 hours, so I was able to sleep well using minimal pain medications. I can say I certainly recommend a nerve block!

 

I used crutches for about two days post-op and then have been able to walk with a post-op sandal shoe keeping the weight off the big toe area. I went back to work today (Tuesday). I wasn't moving too fast, though. I saw Dr. Tollison today for a check and I'm healing up well.

 

If I take it carefully, I can get in and out of the car without banging my foot on anything, and so far our 60 lb. puppy hasn't stepped on my foot! It'll be a while before I can start running again but I should be good by the time summer gets here.

 

I consider myself an active person – I’m a runner and a cyclist and really enjoy being outside and active. But recently I’ve had to limit my activity due to increasing pain with running and being up on my feet.

 

I realized that I was suffering from hallux rigidus – a condition that reduces the movement of the big toe and causes pain at the base of the big toe when it bends backward. Hallux rigidus is similar to a condition commonly called “turf toe” that happens to many athletes when the toe is bent backwards or jammed into the ground. Once it happens the first time, the joint becomes a little stiff and mobility decreases. Then, it takes less bending of the toe to produce the pain; eventually leading to a great deal of pain when there is any bending of the big toe.

 

I tried staying off of the toe as much as possible (which is not real easy to do when you’re on your feet most of the day!) along with medication and new, harder soled shoes. I got some X-rays taken in the office, and it turns out that I had developed bone spurs. Seeing the bone spurs, I knew my toe wouldn’t get better without surgery, so I decided it was time to seek treatment.

 

I made an appointment with an orthopedic associate, Dr. Mike Tollison, who I knew was skilled in this type of treatment. I followed the advice I give to my patients – when the pain bothers you so much that you have to stop doing a lot of the activities you enjoy, it’s time to see a doctor. I’ve decided to have surgery to remove the bone spurs to relieve the pain and get back to my normal activity level.

 

Believe me, this condition has helped me relate even better to patients who are suffering from similar types of pain. After being the patient for a change, I definitely have a new perspective.

 

I’ll check back in after my surgery to let you know how recovery and rehabilitation are going. Until then, if any of you suspect hallux rigidus or turf toe problems, invest in some hard soled shoes or “turf toe” shoe inserts to help stabilize your toe and keep in from bending while walking. When you decide you can’t wait any longer to get back to the activities you enjoy – give me a call and schedule an appointment.