Thanks, I had a 3rd opinion and that was what I was told, but since the recovery is so long I have to see about work...

I have bad arthritis in my subtalar joint which is the multifunction joint in your foot. I had my right foot ( I call it ankle) fused several years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I lost no motion whatsoever except for the rolling motion of the foot if you were to twist your ankle. It was a subtalar fusion. 6 weeks of crutches or no weight and 6 weeks of a boot. Now I need to get in for my left one. I am sick of the pain! Good luck to you!

Several years ago I got arthritis in my big toe. It swelled up and was red and sore. I had a lot of trouble walking. I went to a podiatrist. He operated on my toe. He put two pins in there. I was nervous about letting him do it. But it did help and I recovered quickly. I don't even notice that my toe doesn't bend very well. I'm fine now. I hope everything works out for you!

I am sorry to hear you are in that much pain. I have had injections in my feet which were really painful. (The injections) have you tried orthotics? They help me a lot. Expensive but worth the money.

I had the subtalar fusion on my left ankle and it took all the pain away. I had 7 hours of surgery on my right foot and without it I doubt I would be walking today. Yes it was a long recovery with casts for many months and later a walking boot. But at least I can walk! Try to,base your decisions on function. It’s the most important thing. To the lady with the curled toes, have you ever seen an orthotist? Your toes have likely curled up trying to grip a surface to keep your foot from sliding over. I now have splayed toes n my left foot due to RA. I will need surgery to fix them.
It also seems to be happening on my right foot. Could be worse, have had bad feet
Since childhood. My goal is to keep walking. Good luck everyone!