If you can find a good osteopath well-trained in deep tissue/bone manipulations you might be able to avoid surgery all together. I could barely walk for a couple of years due to damage to my feet. The foot doc wanted to do surgery; my doc and I said no way. I tried different shoes for awhile which sort of helped, but it was still very painful. Then I met Dr. W who is a magician when it comes to working on the soft tissue and bones, getting them in the right places, etc. It may take several treatments and maintenance, but OMT, osteopathic manipulation therapy (not the hard "popping" kind), can work wonders when done properly. My feet are one hundred percent better thanks to her. I am also amazed at her knowledge of muscles, ligaments, bones, etc. and the slightest adjustment to them when I've made some stupid move and pinched something off. Good luck to you, regardless, Don.