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Has anyone had toe shortening surgery? Looking for honest advice
Has anyone in the UK had their 2nd/3rd toes shortened?
This is something I’ve wanted done literally my whole life. I’m 31 now and I’ve honestly never worn sandals or anything that properly shows my feet. I dread summer because people always question why I never have my feet out. I won’t go in a pool or the sea without Crocs/water shoes on, even though I actually love swimming and all that.
My 2nd and 3rd toes are the ones I want shortened. My 2nd toe also has a bit of a claw/hammer toe and on my right foot I sometimes get pain/pressure around the nail, especially in trainers.
I’m finally at the point where I want to actually look into getting them done, but I’m worried about causing problems with my feet when I’m only 31. I don’t even want them really short — just shortened enough that they look more in proportion and hopefully sort the pressure out. I’m worried about things like nerve damage, walking differently or causing problems elsewhere in my foot later on.
Has anyone actually had this done and would you recommend it? If you had a hammer/claw toe as well, did they straighten that at the same time as shortening it?
I’d also really appreciate recommendations for where to start in the UK, NHS or private, and what type of surgeon I should actually be looking for. If you went private, roughly how much did you pay?
Also what procedure did you have, how was the recovery, how long were you off your feet/work/driving, and is there anything you wish you’d known beforehand?
Basically any experiences, good or bad, would really help because I want to understand what I’m looking for before I start speaking to surgeons. ❤️
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I did! I had a bunionectomy and once my toes were in proper alignment, the second toe was taller, bent in my shoe and caused very uncomfortable pressure, just as you described.
Mine was done in an outpatient surgical center and the MD (my podiatrist) removed one of the joints. I think it was technically a "hammer toe." Mine was covered by insurance. To be honest, it was almost like a non event in terms of recovery and I'm SO GLAD I had the procedure! My toe looks completely normal - better in fact because it's in line with the other toes. I had it done in 2009 and have had no trouble whatsoever.
I'm in the USA so can't help with the rest, but hopefully you'll find it encouraging that I had this done and it was 100% worthwhile.
Best wishes!!!
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1 Reaction@learaine22 - Have you talked to a podiatrist (foot & ankle specialist) yet? you might want to talk to two separate ones. (I think the person who wanted 'pitchers' got foiled by spell-check, wants to see pictures, not pitchers). A competent podiatrist can answer all your questions about the procedure, recovery time, change in gait, nerves, etc. From what i understand, it involves bone removal and pins.
As far as shoes go, you might check your size, maybe go for about a half-size longer and with a wider toe box. I find that to be much more comfortable for my longer toes because it doesn't put the pressure on them. measure to the end of your longest toe, not the big toe, because those longer ones are the toes your shoes must accommodate.
@learaine22
Well what does your podiatrist have to say about it? Maybe if we could see what your foot looks like we could opine further or at least see what concerns you. A picture won't identify you.
FWIW I've had hammertoe surgery of all 4 little toes on each foot. No reason why a podiatrist couldn't just lop the end off. Is it for both feet? Is it medically necessary? Are you willing to possible pay for it OOP?