@homedecor - I had surgery to four toes, two on each foot. My surgery was done at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. The doctor who did my surgery performs procedures on members of American Ballet Theater & sport teams in the area. I did not get a second opinion in his case due to his reputation but met some of his patients in the course of my career.
I insisted on having both feet done at the same time which he was reluctant to do & advised against it but I insisted upon it.
The surgery wasn’t painful & I had screws inserted & tendon transfers. The immobility was difficult & I didn’t have a boot but a bulky protective shoe for about 6 weeks, then, graduated to sneakers. I was on “no weight bearing” used a walker & only got up to use the BR for the first two weeks. It wasn’t easy & I was working at the time so missed work but I never regretted the surgery & my toes look great & now feel good in shoes. It was very difficult wearing a closed toe shoe before surgery as my toes rubbed on the top of my shoes. Plus I was actually walking on a twisted toe under the other.
I say go for the surgery & get a second opinion from another orthopedist. Many podiatrists are wonderful but for this type of surgery, imo, should be done by an orthopedist. Mine was basically reconstructive. I know I had four toes done on different feet but be aware you will be immobile for a period of time. As far as post operative pain, I had very little but a lot of swelling for a while.