I have osteoarthritis in both big toes, and it has become rather debilitating. When it flares up for weeks at a time, simple things like walking and sleeping become difficult.

After much consideration, I’ve decided to have bone fusion surgery on both feet early next year, scheduled for January and February, two weeks apart. A podiatrist put the choice neatly when he told me I could either limp for the rest of my life, or spend a few months recovering so I can be fully active again.

Assuming a successful outcome, and the odds are better than 95 per cent, it will take about six weeks to get mobile again and six months for the bones to completely fuse. With any luck, I’ll be back playing tennis and running later in the year.

One advantage of living in Ballarat is having access to excellent specialists, meaning both procedures can be done close to home as day surgeries.

What is hallux rigidus?

The medical term for this condition is hallux rigidus, a form of arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the big toe. Caused by age-related wear and tear or past injury, the protective cartilage wears away until the bones rub together. That friction causes pain, especially when pushing off to walk, along with swelling and bone spurs that restrict movement.

How the surgery works

Big toe fusion permanently stiffens that base joint. Under local anaesthetic, the surgeon makes a cut along the side of the toe, trims away any bony lumps, removes the damaged joint surfaces, and fixes the bones together with screws, staples, or a small plate.

A fusion does leave the toe permanently stiff, which can slightly alter how you walk and limits shoe heels to a maximum of one inch — hardly a major concern for me. Removing the constant pain is a small price to pay for a stiff joint.

The recovery plan

Plaster casts aren't usually required. Instead, I’ll wear bandages and a stiff-soled protective sandal, putting weight only through my heel. For the first two weeks, the priority is resting and keeping my feet elevated to reduce swelling.

Once the stitches are checked at two to three weeks, a splint is fitted. I expect to rely on crutches at the beginning, before graduating to the "grandpa cane" that arrived in the post today for weeks three to six. It was made in Ukraine, and came with a nice note acknowledging that the purchase is supporting their war effort.

A follow-up x-ray four to six weeks after the splint goes on will check if the fusion is solid. Once it is, the splint can come off and I can ease back into driving and gentle walking, gradually building up to full sport over the six-month recovery window.

• Queenscliff, Victoria