Anyone experience a bone spur

jsps139_

My DH had an open sore between his toe. It healed but on his follow-up appt, his podiatrist took x-rays and saw two bone spurs. He suggested surgery to remove them, but he also said with the Alzheimer’s to deal with, we may want to do nothing. However, if the sore comes back, he’ll have 2 problems to deal with - an open sore and bone spurs. He thinks it may be easier to just take care of the bone spurs at this point because that’s what’s causing the sore. We are in year 11 with the Alzheimer’s - probably stage 6. I hate making these decisions. His toe hurts when I dry his foot, but that’s the only time he complains about pain in his toe. Has anyone dealt with bone spurs on their toes or their LOs toes? Is it a painful recovery after surgery?

harshedbuzz

@jsps139_

It sounds as if the bone spurs were an incidental finding rather than the cause of the open wound. If that is the case and your DH isn't complaining about them, they're probably asymptomatic. (I have quite significant ones in my heels that don't bother me so long as I wear proper footwear most of the time.)

Surgery for them would require anesthesia/sedation, pain, post-op care and scar tissue that could be troublesome. I'd pass unless he's in significant pain. And even then, I might look into exercises and orthotics first.

HB

Biggles

I agree think I’d treat the sore between the toes, probably see a doctor for some antibiotic cream or anti fungal and also get a second opinion. My DH had heal spurs I changed his shoes lots of TLC pain disappeared, operation would be the very last call.

jsps139_

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/237810#Comment_237810

Thanks HB. I really don’t want to put him through surgery. I have no experience with bone spurs, so I really appreciate your response.

jsps139_

Thanks Biggles. The sore did heal, so I’m glad about that. I have no experience with bone spurs, so your response is really appreciated. I

SDianeL

I would not put him through surgery. Anesthesia is bad for dementia patients . If physical therapy is required he won’t be able to do it. Is he in a wheelchair? If not he may be in one after surgery. Can he learn how to use a cane or crutches? Will he leave the bandages alone? Someone on this forum said “play it all the way out” when making difficult decisions. Answer all the what if questions and you may get the answer.

jsps139_

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/237841#Comment_237841

Thanks Diane. I really like “play it all the way out.” You are so helpful!

easy23

My DH just had his big toe removed due to gangrene, which started out as a sore that wouldn't heal. It was caused by a careless toenail clipping by a podiatrist.

It turns out he has a circulation problem in his foot - that is why the sore wouldn't heal. He lives in MC and takes the bandage off every once in awhile.

If I were you I would be glad the sore healed and would leave well enough alone.

jsps139_

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/237880#Comment_237880

Thanks. After reading all the comments and talking with family, we all decided to just decline the suggested surgery. All your help made the decision easier.