Cheilectomy surgery is a procedure to remove excess bone or bony spurs from the big toe joint. It’s a way of alleviating arthritic joint pain in your big toe.

You might have cheilectomy surgery in order to treat Hallux Rigidus (or a stiff big toe), a condition often caused by arthritis. If anti-inflammatory medication or steroids haven’t worked, Hallux Rigidus treatment is very successful at reducing symptoms if you have less severe arthritis.

Your Consultant will discuss whether your cheilectomy should be carried out under a local or general anaesthetic. During the operation, your Consultant will make a small cut on the side of your big toe and remove any bony prominence.

We’ll discuss your aftercare and arrange any follow-up appointments with you before you leave hospital.

It can take a few days to get over any operation and you’ll be given advice about what to do at home during this time.

After your Hallux Rigidus surgery, your foot will be dressed, and you may be given a special shoe to help you walk. You can put as much weight on your foot as is comfortable but you won't be able to drive until approved by your Consultant - so please make sure someone is available to drive you home from the hospital

After a cheilectomy procedure, it’s important that you’re not left alone for the first 24 hours.

You should rest and elevate your foot as much as possible for ten days after your operation. Your Consultant will have prescribed pain relief medication to take as part of your cheilectomy recovery, or you can use an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel to control any pain and swelling.

Between 10 and 14 days after your surgery, you should see your GP to have your stitches removed and your dressing changed. You should continue to rest your foot as much as possible.

You may be off work for two weeks or more while you recover and recuperate, and you shouldn’t drive until approved to do so by your Consultant.

To find out the cost of your treatment, complete our online quotation form or contact our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.