Does your big toe joint hurt? Let's talk about Toe Joint Replacement

Have you ever had a severe pain in your big toe joint? This pain, which makes it difficult to walk, has probably hindered your daily activities. Many people think that this is normal and will subside in a few days. But sometimes there can be a serious reason behind this pain. Today we are talking about a treatment that can be used as a last resort in such a situation, namely, a joint replacement surgery in a toe.

What is this toe joint replacement surgery?

Simply put, this involves surgically removing a damaged, worn-out joint in your toe and replacing it with an artificial joint. We call this artificial joint a prosthesis . These are made of materials such as metal, ceramic, or plastic. They are designed to function just like a healthy joint.

Most often, this surgery is performed on the big toe. To be precise, the joint where the big toe connects to the foot (Metatarsophalangeal - MTP joint) . Imagine, this joint has to bend with every step we take. So if this joint is damaged or stiff, walking becomes very painful. This surgery is also called arthroplasty in medical terms.

Why do you need to have this kind of surgery?

This surgery is not usually the first option. A doctor will only resort to this type of surgery if all other non-surgical treatments have been tried and none have yielded successful results.

These are the treatments that are usually tried first:

• Wearing special shoes or braces to make walking easier.
• Making changes to your activities (e.g., reducing heavy lifting, speed running, etc.).
• Giving painkillers.
• Physical therapy.
• Steroid injections into the joint.

If none of these things relieve the pain, it could be due to the following conditions. This is when surgery should be considered.

What is the difference between joint replacement and joint fusion?

This is a question that many people ask. Joint Fusion or Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that permanently fuses the two bones that make up a joint. This relieves pain and stabilizes the joint. However, the main disadvantage is that the joint cannot be moved after the surgery.

However, since a joint replacement involves the insertion of an artificial joint, you will still be able to move and bend the finger joint after the surgery. However, the success of this surgery can vary from person to person. Your orthopedic surgeon will decide which surgery is best for you.

What happens before the surgery?

Before performing a surgery like this, your doctor will carefully consider several factors.

• We will ask about your overall health and any other medical conditions you may have (such as diabetes and high blood pressure).
• They ask questions like how long you've had the finger pain and how it's affected your life.
• The finger is examined to see how strong it is and what its range of motion is.
• An X-ray of the foot will definitely be done to check the condition of the bones.
• Other tests, such as blood tests, may be done to see if your body is ready for surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

This surgery usually takes about two to three hours. It is performed in a hospital or other facility with operating room facilities. Here is a breakdown of what happens during the surgery:

1. Anesthesia: First, anesthesia is given into a vein in your arm to put you completely asleep.

2. Incision: The surgeon then makes a small incision on the top of the big toe.

3. Removal of damaged parts: Through that incision, the damaged joint, worn cartilage, and bone fragments are removed.

4. Artificial joint replacement: The previously mentioned artificial joint (prosthesis) is inserted in place of the removed joint.

5. Fixation: This artificial joint is securely attached to the bones on either side of the finger using small nails, pins, screws, or a special type of bone cement.

6. Testing: We check to make sure everything is in place and that the new joint moves properly.

7. Stitching: Finally, the incision is closed with stitches. It is then bandaged to protect against germs, and perhaps a cast or special boot is placed.

What happens after the surgery?

After the surgery, you will wake up in a recovery room. Your leg will be bandaged and possibly in a cast. The medical team will monitor you to make sure there are no side effects from the anesthesia.

You will need to stay in the hospital until you are able to walk safely using a walker or crutches. Before you go home, the doctor and nursing staff will give you a set of instructions to follow at home.

• Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Keeping your legs elevated as long as possible.
• The day you have to come back to cut the stitches.
• Wearing shoes with as thick soles as possible.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

Like any surgery, there are both benefits and risks. Your doctor will explain these to you thoroughly.

These risks are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.

How long does it take to heal? And emergencies that require seeing a doctor

Your doctor will encourage you to use your new joint as soon as possible after surgery, which means walking. Although it may be a little painful at first, exercise is a very important part of the healing process. The pain will subside over time.

You may also need to undergo physical therapy. It may take about 8 weeks to be able to walk fully with weight bearing.

Call your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms:

• If you feel feverish or have a cold.
• If the pain increases instead of decreasing.
• If the cut is oozing pus or has a bad odor.
• If there is redness or swelling around the incision (these could be signs of infection)

Also, if you feel that there is a problem with the transplanted joint after some time, it means,

• If the function or strength of the joint is reduced.
• If the joint feels unstable and like it is about to come loose (Instability).
• If you develop new pain, stiffness, or swelling.

In any case like this, see the doctor who treated you without delay.

Toe Surgery, Joint Replacement, Arthritis, Hallux Rigidus, Bunions, Foot Pain, Bone Diseases, Orthopaedic Surgery