Question
I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 20 years.My toes angle toward my little toe.My second toe overlaps my third toe.It is very painful when I wear shoes.One Doctor recommended amputation.Is this a good solution? I don't know if I fell comfortable with that.

Answer
Hi Judith,

When you have severe foot deformities and pain from arthritis there are several options.  In your case, you could have surgery of multiple toes and try and straighten them and avoid amputation.  However, if the deformity is so severe and the second toe is the main pain source you could consider amputation as radical as it seems.  Other options include removing bone from behind the second and third toes and then straightening the toes and using a pin temporarily.

If there is any hesitation with regard to treatment, I would highly recommend that you get several opinions.  Certainly one from should be from a Podiatrist.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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