The joints where the foot bones join the toes are called the metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) joints. They make up the middle part (ball) of your foot. In joint fusion surgery, the surgeon removes part of the toe joint and lets the toe bones grow together (fuse). The toes will not bend when you walk.
Fusion surgery may help relieve pain and swelling so you can walk more comfortably. It's done if other treatments for chronic pain and arthritis haven't worked.
First, your doctor will give you medicine to help you relax and to numb your foot. Or you may get medicine to put you to sleep.
Your surgeon will make one or more small cuts near your MTP joint. These cuts are called incisions. The doctor will remove small pieces of bone and cartilage. Then the doctor will position the bones together and join them with plates or screws that help the bones fuse. The plates or screws usually stay in your foot.
The surgery will leave scars that fade with time.
You will probably go home on the day of your surgery. If your surgery is more complex, you may spend the night in the hospital.
It may take 6 weeks or longer before swelling goes down and you have healed enough to return to your normal routine. You may be able to put weight on the foot right away, but follow your doctor's instructions. You may have some swelling and pain for up to 6 months.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
You had surgery on your foot to remove the joint at the base of your toe. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year.
After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot. It will help protect your foot and keep your bones in the right position. Your doctor will remove your stitches about 2 weeks after the surgery.
Follow your doctor's instructions for putting weight on your foot. And follow any other special directions your doctor gives you.
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