Hallux Rigidus Surgery – Cheilectomy

Why do you need surgery?

Before being offered surgery, you should have tried other treatment in the form of wide-box shoe-wear, padding the swelling and stiff forefoot insoles.

This operation is offered to you if you continue to have symptoms despite trying the above measures and after you have been examined and counselled.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is done as a day case but come prepared in case you need to stay overnight. The operation is done under a general anaesthetic and a nerve block (which means numbing the nerves of the foot).

The operation involves an incision over the base of the big toe joint. The extra bump of bone on the top of the big toe is trimmed to free the joint and prevent the two sides of the joint rubbing against each other during walking.

Your post-operative period:

You will have a bandage on your foot.
You will go home with a surgical sandal on your foot.
You must keep your foot raised for the first one – two weeks and if necessary afterwards.
You can put your full weight on your foot when you are comfortable.
Exercise your big toe as you can to regain joint movement.
Use crutches if needed.
The swelling may last for a few months going on and off and finally fading away.