Speaking after receiving the prosthetic toes, Sanders shared his relief and sense of renewed balance. He noted, “Crazy, I’m 10 toes down again, so I’m size 11 and a half again.” This update underscored the tangible progress he’s making as he moves through rehabilitation.
During the fitting process, Sanders also discussed the possibility of another toe procedure. While he fondly recalls his prime playing days, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by his condition. His middle toe and fourth toe are currently fully bent, and he and his medical team are weighing options to straighten them.
A video posted in June 2026 documented Sanders’ consultation with a specialist from Össur, a medical device company known for its orthotics. The video showed a toe scan being performed, with the aim of creating custom silicone replacements that would better match his skin and restore balance and gait.
In the discussion, Sanders articulated the daily frustrations caused by the amputation, emphasizing the need for properly fitting toes. His athletic trainer highlighted how the absence of toes had made his foot feel heavy, describing it as wearing a boot due to uneven weight distribution. The scans would facilitate the production of skin-matching silicone toe prosthetics to improve stability and movement.
The decision to proceed with the custom prosthetics was confirmed on camera, with Sanders stating, “OK, well, I’ll proceed.” He expressed enthusiasm about the prosthetics, while also giving his newly added toes a light, humorous pep talk about getting along with the rest of the foot.
Sanders has been navigating life without his natural toes for several years. The amputation followed a medical sequence that began with a dislocated toe and an inflamed nerve, an issue linked to an old turf toe injury from his playing days. Although the initial procedure was straightforward, complications arose during recovery, including three femoral arterial blood clots. The clots compromised blood flow to the foot, leading to dangerous fluid buildup and pressure in the calf. To relieve the pressure, doctors opened both sides of the calf, but the extended lack of blood flow caused the big toe and second toe to turn black and necessitate amputation.
This journey highlights the ongoing efforts to restore function and comfort for Sanders as he continues to adapt to life after toe amputation. The focus remains on improving balance, gait, and the fit of footwear, with the new silicone toe prosthetics aiming to provide a more natural and stable foundation for daily activities and athletic tasks alike.
