There are three types of surgery for toe arthritis: Cheilectomy: this involves removing part of the bone so the toe can move more freely. Improvement is significant in 75% of people. Arthrodesis: bones are fused together using pins, screws or a plate. This is used when the pain is severe and is 95% effective.

Surgery for big toe arthritis is only recommended as a last resort, once all simple treatment measures have been exhausted and if your symptoms remain significant. It is not recommended for cosmetic reasons or to avoid problems that are not yet present. The two most recognised forms of surgery are a big toe cheilectomy or a big toe fusion.

Toe surgery is only recommended as a last resort, non-operative treatment measures have been exhausted and if your symptoms remain significant. In most cases the operation is performed under a local anaesthetic. The choices are surgery to clean up the joint or fixation of the joint.