Cheilectomy literally means ‘removal of a lip’ — the bony lip or spur that forms on top of the big-toe joint as arthritis develops. As the spur enlarges, the joint catches against it on push-off and the surrounding soft tissues are pinched. Removing the spur restores motion and decompresses the joint. The operation is right for the early to moderate phase of the disease, when the underlying cartilage is still in reasonable condition over most of the joint surface. It is not a permanent fix — the underlying arthritis will continue to progress — but most patients get many years of meaningful pain relief and motion. Importantly, cheilectomy leaves all later options on the table: if the joint eventually progresses to end-stage disease, fusion remains entirely possible. The choice between cheilectomy and big-toe fusion is one of the most case-specific in foot surgery, and it depends on the X-ray grade, the patient’s age, activity level, and what they need the foot to do.