Enough was enough. Fusion completed.
46m. Army vet. Diagnosed 2012. Put off fusion surgery until today, 10/6/26. The pain just got to the point where it was daily and i just got tired of it. On a scale of 1-10, 5 was the norm, 4 and below was a good day. 6 and above required rest, limited use, low impact activities and rocking hokas. What was worse than the pain was the foot instability, it was so easy for me to lose balance when I put too much weight on my left foot. I have seen multiple podiatrist over the years and tried multiple orthotics and the only thing that helped was a walking boot that had a air pump, like like old reebok shoes. It wasnt until I saw a johns hopkins podiatrist who explained it to me like I was five, that is truly understood that fusion was the only option. My post op is 10/30 and I'll share a follow up.
Also i lurked on the subreddit for a very long time as I was back and forth on what to do. Many people shared their stories, photos and progress and I really appreciate everyone who shared as it helped me gain the courage to move forward. I hope story helps someone as others stories helped me.
Sorry for the formatting and structure.
The procedures done today:
Left Subtalar arthrodesis
Left Anatomic reconstruction of anterior talofibular ligament disruption
Left Anatomic reconstruction of calcaneofibular ligament disruption
Left distal fibular periosteal rotational flap for augmentation of anterolateral
ligament reconstruction
- Left peroneal tendon debridement