Hello all. I am a college runner that's been out with a foot injury for almost 8 months now. After getting x-rays, an mri, and seeing several doctors, it's been determined that I have a stress reaction or fracture in my tibial (medial) sesamoid. I have tried wearing orthotics, a walking boot, had cortisone injections, and have been cycling for the last 7 months (no running) to no avail. While the pain is not severe and definitely much better than 8 months ago, I am still unable to walk or bike or do anything really without pain and would not dream of running anytime soon.
At this point, my treatment plan is to try immobilizing it completely for a month where I will use crutches and treat my foot like an egg. If it still fails to improve, I will have to have a sesamoidectomy.
Because these injuries don't usually heal on their own, I was wondering if anyone could share their experience with what I can expect from this surgery if it comes to that. Online, I've read pages that says it has a high success rate and that I shouldn't hesitate to do it, but I've also read things that say it is high risk and that I shouldn't do it unless absolutely necessary.
Thus, I am pretty confused. What should I realistically expect from this surgery? While there is nothing in the world that I want more than to be able to run again, I need straight answers. I'm tired of being in limbo. I'm tired of being told to do this or that and I will be fine in X weeks, only to be no better than before once the time passes. It breaks my heart every time and I don't know how much more I can take.
So please, if you know anything about this, share your knowledge. I need to know what I should expect so I can move on with my life. Thank you.