Considering surgery at 28 - is it worth it?

Had old-style surgery as a baby (not Ponseti, early 90s). My foot works but it's stiff, smaller than the other, and I get daily pain. Been told further surgery could improve range of motion but no guarantee. Recovery 3-6 months.

Has anyone had corrective surgery as an adult? Was it worth it? I'm scared of making it worse.

I'm 28, I don't want 50 more years of this pain but surgery is massive.

I had surgery at 32 after years of daily pain from old-style treatment. Recovery was tough - 8 weeks non-weight bearing, months of physio.

BUT it was worth it. Pain went from 7/10 daily to 2/10 on a bad day. Range of motion improved significantly. I can walk longer distances now.

Key: find a surgeon specialising in ADULT clubfoot reconstruction. I went to RNOH Stanmore - excellent.

Happy to chat more about the surgery itself!

I'm in the same boat. 30, old-style surgery as a baby, considering more surgery now. The stiffness and pain really get me down.

Haven't pulled the trigger yet. Scared of making things worse too.

Following this thread with interest! 💙

Adult clubfoot surgery options depend on specific issues:
- Soft tissue releases for range of motion
- Tendon transfers for dynamic deformity
- Osteotomy for structural correction
- Joint fusion for severe arthritis (last resort)

Outcomes generally positive for pain reduction. Recovery 3-6 months. Request referral to RNOH, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre Oxford, or Alder Hey adult transition.

A thorough assessment including weight-bearing CT would help 💙

had surgery at 26, now 31. best decision of my life. yes recovery was painful and boring but the difference in quality of life is massive.

went from struggling to walk to the shops to hiking 10+ miles. constant background pain basically gone.

the fear of making it worse is valid but - if youre in daily pain at 28, what does the next 50 years look like without intervention? thats what convinced me 💙