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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Fused big toe joint and want to return to tennis!

This is my third surgery for the same issue...the first doctor tried an implant, didn't work...second doctor took bone from my hip and fused the joint, then put a steel plate on top and used about 6 screws to hold everything together. I broke all of his handiwork a year later and had to have the same surgery again. The only change this time was adding one more screw, bone from my tibia, and titanium plate (thicker this time). I'm in my early 40's and it's killing me to think I won't play tennis again although I don't relish going through this surgery again. The doctor suggested modifying my tennis shoe by putting a steel shank in it but would not guarantee this would do the trick. Do you have any other suggestions?

Hi,
I have a problem with the idea that you had an implant at such a young age, but that is water under the bridge.
Obviously you can no longer bend your toe, so your only chance of ever doing anything athletic again would be to use a rigid shoe where there is very limited bend in the shoe.
Unfortunetly this will change your gait and whether or not you can adapt to a sport like tennis remains to be seen.
As a side note, you might want to look at the MBT athletic shoe which has a rocker bottom sole which diminishes the need for the big toe to bend. My only concern is whether or not you can actually play tennis in them.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Fused big toe joint and want to return to tennis!

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Aug 06, 2017
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It Worked for Me
by: Linda

Who was your doctor? Thanks Linda

Jul 22, 2011
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It worked for me.
by: Anonymous

I had a titanium hemi put in my left big toe due to total loss of cartilage and a bone spur. I couldn't raise my foot at all and had to stop all sports. I am 53 and decided to go with the replacement. It's been 3 weeks today and it has been amazing! My doctor has done many replacements, is on all sorts of board of directors for this surgery and trains other doctors from all over the world in this procedure. I am walking, bending my toe, have very little swelling and am totally amazed at how well it is healing and the limited scaring due to a continuous stitch. I think it all depends on your doctor and how much knowledge he or she may have in this field. My doctor has done hundreds of these surgerys. I did my research before I attempted this. Glad I did.

Feb 27, 2011
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related experience
by: Steve Mitcham

Hi, I sympathise greatly having similar experience but not as bad as you. I had a cheilectomy 21 months ago at the age of 53. I understood this would improve my stiff, painful big toe (which originated from a football injury 20 years ago).

It is the worst decision ever - since the op my toe has been much more painful, with a lot of friction and crepitus and the sesamoids and ball of my foot tender and sensitive - they were not before the op. I too love tennis but have to dose up on pain killers yet it still hurts and greatly inhibits my movement and footwork which used to be my strengths.

I'm afraid a replacement joint would not stand up to the way I play or want to. I've heard of other procedures involving substitute cartilage etc. but they seem remote like some stem cell stuff - hyped up for headlines but not available to normal people of modest income.

Jan 15, 2011
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titanium toe hemi joint replacement
by: Anonymous

I had this surgery done 3 years ago in January and I still can't walk around the track more then 2 times without limping in pain. Now my knee is killing me because my gait is off, the rest of my toes on that foot are getting numb from walking on the side of my foot and my neck and shoulder are out of whack on the other side of my body! I am at a loss. If you completely isolate that toe and don't bend it eventually it will become more painful because all of your tendons in your leg shorten up throwing the rest of your body out of kilter. I don't know who to trust to get this fixed - I've already trusted one doctor that promised that at the very least the pain would be gone in my toe. Chronic pain is horrible.

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

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Ontario, Canada

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Judy

(location unknown)

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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Redondo Beach, CA

Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)

First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems. Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….

Joe

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

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Denison, TX

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Regards,

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South Africa

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

Ric J.

Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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All the best,

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Alameda, California

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland

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M P

South Carolina

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Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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San Clemente, CA

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

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-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Fused big toe joint and want to return to tennis!

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