Private cheilectomy
The big toe plays an important role in walking and balance. When movement in this joint becomes stiff or painful, even short walks or everyday shoes can start to feel limiting.
A cheilectomy can ease pain and improve movement in the big toe joint, helping you walk more comfortably with less restriction.
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Private cheilectomy at a glance
- Surgery to remove painful bone spurs from the big toe joint
- Used for early-stage big toe arthritis (hallux rigidus)
- Helps improve movement and ease pain when walking
- Usually performed as a day-case procedure
What is a cheilectomy?
A cheilectomy is a surgical procedure that removes bony lumps from the big toe joint to manage pain and stiffness. It’s most often used to treat hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint.
Over time, arthritis can lead to the formation of bony growths, often called bone spurs, around the top of the joint. These can block normal movement of the toe and cause pain, particularly when walking, bending the toe or wearing certain shoes.
During a cheilectomy, your surgeon removes these bony growths and smooths the joint surfaces. This creates more space for the joint to move and reduces pressure.
The aim is to improve movement and ease pain while preserving your own joint, rather than replacing it.
Is a private cheilectomy right for me?
If pain and stiffness in your big toe are affecting how you walk or limiting the shoes and activities you’re comfortable with, a careful assessment can help explain what’s causing it and what may help.
Your consultant will examine your foot and talk through your symptoms in detail. Non-surgical options are usually explored first. Surgery is only recommended if these haven’t given you enough relief, and improving joint movement is a realistic goal.
A cheilectomy works best when arthritis is still in its early stages. If arthritis is more advanced, your consultant will explain other surgical options and why they may offer a better outcome for you.
Benefits of a private cheilectomy
For many people with early-stage big toe arthritis, a cheilectomy can significantly reduce pain and improve day-to-day comfort.
Potential benefits include:
- Easing pain caused by bone spurs rubbing in the joint
- Improving movement at the big toe, particularly during walking
- Helping everyday activities feel more comfortable again
- Preserving your own joint rather than replacing it
These improvements can make walking, standing and wearing shoes feel less restrictive. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you through recovery, helping you return to activity at a pace that feels right for you.
Cheilectomy is typically performed as a day-case procedure. This means you can go home the same day, and recovery is typically quicker than with more extensive joint surgery.
What happens during a private cheilectomy?
A cheilectomy is usually carried out as a day-case procedure under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. Your surgeon may also use a local anaesthetic in the foot to help reduce discomfort after surgery.
The operation typically takes around 30–45 minutes. A small incision is made over the top of the big toe joint, allowing your surgeon to remove the bony growths that are restricting movement.
The joint surfaces are carefully reshaped using specialised instruments to remove rough or uneven areas of bone. This creates a smoother joint surface, helping improve movement and reducing irritation within the joint, before the incision is closed.
Most people go home the same day once the anaesthetic has worn off. Before you leave, you’ll be given pain relief and clear guidance on wound care and footwear.
Why choose OS Clinic for your private cheilectomy?
Choosing surgery is a big decision. At OS Clinic, the focus is on clear advice, careful assessment and coordinated care, so you feel supported at every stage.
At OS Clinic, your care includes:
- Treatment led by consultant orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons
- Clear explanations that help you understand your condition and options
- Treatment advice tailored to your symptoms and goals
- Consultations, imaging, surgery and rehabilitation arranged in one place
Book your private cheilectomy consultation today
If pain or stiffness in your big toe is starting to affect how you walk, a conversation with a specialist can help.
Our consultant foot and ankle surgeons will take time to assess your foot, explain what’s causing your symptoms and talk through your options. There’s no pressure to proceed – the aim is simply to help you understand what may improve your comfort and movement.
If you’d like to speak to our team or arrange a consultation, we’re here to help.
Results and recovery
Recovery after a cheilectomy is usually steady, with gradual improvements in comfort and movement over time. You’ll be supported by your care team so you know what to expect at each stage.
After surgery, a physiotherapist will talk you through your rehabilitation and show you how to walk using a padded, stiff-soled shoe. At home, resting with your foot raised helps reduce swelling and supports healing.
You can usually put weight through the foot straight away while wearing the hospital-provided shoe.
As swelling settles, you’ll start to increase your walking gradually. Most people continue to use the protective shoe during this period. It’s often around six weeks before returning to normal footwear feels comfortable.
Depending on your work, you may be able to return after about two weeks. Jobs that involve prolonged standing or manual work usually need a longer recovery period.
By around three months, many people are back to most normal activities and light exercise. Some swelling can last for several months, which is common and tends to improve over time.
Your consultant will review your progress and advise when it’s safe to increase activity, based on how your foot is healing and what you’d like to return to.
Private cheilectomy FAQs
Many people notice improved comfort and movement, particularly when surgery is carried out in the earlier stages of arthritis. Outcomes depend on how advanced the joint changes are.
Arthritis can continue to progress over time. Some people may need further treatment in the future, which your consultant will discuss if relevant.
All surgeries carry possible risks. However, our dedicated team takes every precaution to keep risks to a minimum. Potential risks of a cheilectomy include infection, stiffness, delayed healing and ongoing pain. Your consultant will explain these clearly before you decide whether to proceed.
Physiotherapy is often recommended to help restore movement and reduce stiffness. Your care team will advise what support you may need during recovery.
