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Midfoot Arthritis Surgery: Fusion (Arthrodesis)

Posted by RefluxGoAway @njp515, Nov 25, 2023

Has anyone had surgery for mid foot arthritis, called arthrodesis?
I've been diagnoses with Morton's Neuroma, Planovalgus deformity of foot, and Arthritis of foot and been recommended for surgery, but I hear that the recuperation/rehabilitation is very painful and long. I'm interested in the reality of the results and whether it is worth it?

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lisawie | @lisawie | Aug 4, 2025
In reply to @lisacgub "I have often felt regret to myself as the surgery recovery has not been easy and..." + (show)
Profile picture for lisacgub @lisacgub

I have often felt regret to myself as the surgery recovery has not been easy and I was very unaware that this would be this big of an issue. I have had hip replacement and was very active after that. I'm very disappointed in how the recovery has gone but hoping now that I only have another 4 months until I will be at 2 years that I will continue to show improvement. I hope that you too will start to improve. I just had no idea it would take this long and if I had known I don't know that I would have had the surgery

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Yes if they had been honest about recovery and complications I would have ran the other way! And died with the unstable joint! Did you do any physical therapy or take any steroids? One doctor pushed oral steroids and when I went for second opinion orthopedic doctor suggested injection into nerve.

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rdf56 | @rdf56 | Aug 4, 2025
In reply to @lisacgub "It's midfoot which is the top of your foot which is what I had. Then you..." + (show)
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It's midfoot which is the top of your foot which is what I had. Then you mentioned ankle fusion which is not the same thing

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Actually, when the top of the foot, known as the mid foot collapsed and the entire arch depresses and falls down and all the bones separate due to the inflammation and swelling and tears to the tendons occur, the only way to stabilize it is the fusion of the three ankle bones. Since the tendon issues are so severe, even ankle replacement is not a solution.

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comeoutdancing | @comeoutdancing | Aug 4, 2025

I am looking for info from others on Hammertoe surgery recovery time.
I had my little toe corrected ten days ago; stitches will come out in 3 days.
I can walk about ten minutes now with mimimal discomfort and swelling.
I dance, bike, walk and enjoy yoga and weight lifting. I turn 79 this week.
Anyone else with similar circumstances able to talk about recovery time and comfort post surgery?
Thanks for your time and feedback.

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lisawie | @lisawie | May 3 1:54pm
In reply to @lisacgub "The pain has gotten better. I do go barefoot in the house but I walk better..." + (show)
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The pain has gotten better. I do go barefoot in the house but I walk better if I have shoes on. I wear my Skechers slip ons in the house. I have more supportive sneakers I wear outside. I had this surgery at 62 and I am now 64. I thought I would be significantly better after this surgery but the pain I had prior to surgery was replaced with a different pain/soreness. It has gotten better but just now at 1 year and 8 months post surgery. Like I said, I try to walk at least 5 days a week about 2 miles. Maybe once I hit the 2 year mark, it will be better. Yes it has been veryyyyyy slow.

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@lisacgub

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lisawie | @lisawie | May 3 1:58pm

Hello. I was just wondering what your progress was to date now that several months have passed ? I am now at 15 months and still can’t walk well without the support of a shoe. Still have numbness and tenderness at tendon. I hope you have improved?? I am not sure whether to consult with an orthopedic doctor or give it more time.

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lisacgub | @lisacgub | May 4 2:30pm
In reply to @lisawie "Hello. I was just wondering what your progress was to date now that several months have..." + (show)
Profile picture for lisawie @lisawie

Hello. I was just wondering what your progress was to date now that several months have passed ? I am now at 15 months and still can’t walk well without the support of a shoe. Still have numbness and tenderness at tendon. I hope you have improved?? I am not sure whether to consult with an orthopedic doctor or give it more time.

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@lisawie
Yes, once I got to 2 years I pretty much did not have any foot pain. I can walk barefoot but walk better with shoes. I am mostly wearing sneakers and my Clarks flip flops. Within the last 5 months somehow I tore my right knee meniscus. MRI said acute tear, chronic tear, sprain and loose body. Had to cancel a cruise. I was in so much pain. Worst ever. Had Arthroscopic surgery to smooth out the meniscus and remove the loose body. Right now I have another 2 weeks until I reach 3 months. They told me not to do any extended walking or standing. Only 1/2 mile. I do not want anymore surgery! Jusst turned 65. Gained weight as I have not been able to walk for exercise.

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lisawie | @lisawie | May 4 3:59pm

That is really good to hear on the foot pain. I am so sorry about the torn meniscus. I can't imagine - the foot was enough and it has even effected my SI joint. I turn 65 in August so I can sympathize with you. I wish you all the best. Thank you for responding.

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