Our Summary

This research paper investigates the common belief that women are unable to wear high-heeled shoes after having a specific type of foot surgery, known as a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion. This operation is typically done to treat arthritis in the big toe. It has often been assumed that this surgery limits the foot’s flexibility, making it difficult to wear heels.

The researchers conducted a survey of 50 women who had the surgery between 2004 and 2015. They found that of the 42 patients who wore heels before their surgery, 26 (62%) were still wearing them afterwards. Most of these women (88%) were able to wear the same height heels as before, for roughly 3 hours at a time, and none of them reported significant discomfort or additional foot problems as a result of wearing heels.

The conclusion is that many women can continue to wear high heels after a first MTPJ fusion. This information can be useful for doctors when discussing the potential impacts of the surgery with their patients.

FAQs

  1. What is a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) fusion surgery?
  2. Can women continue to wear high-heeled shoes after undergoing a first MTPJ fusion surgery?
  3. What percentage of women were able to wear the same height heels as before, after undergoing the first MTPJ fusion surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering joint fusion surgery to discuss their specific lifestyle and activities with their surgeon. It is important for the patient to communicate their desire to continue wearing high heels, as this information can help the surgeon tailor the surgery and post-operative care to best meet the patient’s individual needs and goals.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended joint fusion are those who have severe arthritis or damage to a joint that is causing significant pain, instability, and limited mobility. This can include individuals with conditions such as arthritis, joint deformities, fractures that have not healed properly, or failed previous joint replacement surgeries. Joint fusion is often recommended when other non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief and improve function. It is important for patients considering joint fusion to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if this procedure is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before joint fusion:

  • Patient experiences pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the affected joint
  • Patient may have tried conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or injections
  • Patient and doctor decide on joint fusion surgery as a last resort option

After joint fusion:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to fuse the affected joint, typically in the foot or ankle
  • Patient goes through a period of recovery and rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy
  • Patient gradually regains strength and mobility in the joint
  • Patient may need to make modifications to their activities or footwear
  • Over time, patient experiences reduced pain and improved function in the joint

Overall, the patient should expect a period of recovery after joint fusion surgery, but can ultimately benefit from improved joint function and decreased pain in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about joint fusion include:

  1. Can I continue to wear high-heeled shoes after the surgery?
  2. Will the joint fusion limit my foot’s flexibility and range of motion?
  3. Are there any specific types of shoes or activities I should avoid after the surgery?
  4. What is the typical recovery time for this surgery, and when can I expect to return to wearing regular shoes?
  5. Are there any potential long-term effects on wearing high heels after the surgery?
  6. Will wearing high heels affect the success of the fusion or my overall foot health?
  7. Are there any specific exercises or physical therapy I should do to maintain foot strength and flexibility after the surgery?
  8. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery to monitor my progress and address any concerns?
  9. Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for that may indicate a problem with the fusion or my foot health?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about joint fusion and its impact on shoe choices?

Reference

Authors: D’sa P, Vaidhyanathaswamy S, Teoh KH, Hariharan K. Journal: Foot Ankle Surg. 2022 Jun;28(4):510-513. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2022.02.001. Epub 2022 Feb 8. PMID: 35165001