Pain and severe stiffness after bunionectomy

My dr told me a bunch of lies. I'm getting second opinion. My toe position isn't straight and I have a lump at the top of the incision site.

I am 19 days post op from bunion surgery. I'm a 66 year old male and am very active. I have a permanent pin in the metatarsal and an external pin on my big toe. My doctor told me the day after surgery would be the hardest. He was correct but it was bearable with the pain pills and the cold compresses. Each day the swelling is going down and I continue to follow his guidance. That guidance is to work the toe gently back and forth 5 times a day for 10 minutes each time. I have good range of motion. Do not put any weight on the foot until he tells me, so I don't . I started physical training at day 10. I am able to do crunches with my legs over the bench. I can do upper body weight training so long as it does not require any support from my feet. I am sad to hear that many are having bad outcomes. Something may happen in the future that will change my outlook but up to this point, everything has been as described by my doctor. My Doctor says 3 months before healing to the point of feeling like playing golf with a cart and a year for total healing. Good luck to all.

I am also going three the same thing and pain the only difference is I feel pain in the second toe as well. I am so afraid it will never get back to normal is been 3 months plus and is getting worst plus it make me unbalanced when walking.

I had mine done 8 weeks ago and I am devastated, I'm in severe pain, swelling is severe and its impossible to move my toe at all! I feel that I will walk with a limp forever and I haven't yet been able to run or ride my horse.
Wish I'd never done it.

Hi Can I have the name of your doctor please I live in NJ

Everything you describe is what I'm going through now. I was wondering if you are better now? Any advice?

I feel the same way. I would never recommend it to anyone.

I had a big toe bunionectomy with release on the inside on 10/9/15. It has been 4 months and I have a cocked up to and way more pain than before.

Went to see an orthopedic foot specialist last week and the metatarsal is seated all the way at the top of the joint. Rubbing when I walk since it cannot go up anymore. The realigned joint is in the right place but metatarsal will not bend down it is stuck at the top of the joint.

My doctor seems to think it is scar tissue but she doesn't know for sure. I have a 3rd opinion with another podiatrist before allowing anyone to open my foot up again. My bunionectomy failed.

I had a big toe bunionectomy with release on the inside on 10/9/15. It has been 4 months and I have a cocked up to and way more pain than before.

Went to see an orthopedic foot specialist last week and the metatarsal is seated all the way at the top of the joint. Rubbing when I walk since it cannot go up anymore. The realigned joint is in the right place but metatarsal will not bend down it is stuck at the top of the joint.

My doctor seems to think it is scar tissue but she doesn't know for sure. I have a 3rd opinion with another podiatrist before allowing anyone to open my foot up again. My bunionectomy failed.

I see this post was a year ago. I am reading anything and everything I can. I just had bunion surgery soon to be 6 weeks ago. I am having same issues you had. I am curious to know your status today if you don't mind sharing.

would you mind sharing the Stanford Dr's name with me?

How is your foot doing?

I had my lapidus dec 22nd 2015 and I'm still having the same issues you are.. As well as my foot is still so swollen I can't wear any shoes besides tennis shoes and my berkinstocks... My "final" appointment is scheduled for 4/20... I would love if you'd keep me updated on your recovery!

It is July 14 2016. I am 7 weeks post op bunion surgery.
I agree that the doctors don't explain about the lengthy recovery. I feel like I mad a huge mistake and will never walk normal again. So much swelling.

I've learned a lot about feet since having had bilateral lapidus bunionectomies and hammer toe corrections recently. My right foot has non-union, and my left foot has a severed deep peroneal nerve. That was insanely painful and spastic for a couple of months. With slow return of any dorsal sensation, my balance is off, so I walk like a zombie. As a compulsive reader, I've been amazed at the wide ranges of approaches to this surgery, as well as the completely conflicting care recommendations. Docs must not want to scare off business by admitting that this is a four to six month recovery just to get to a level of healing that allows for limited activity. It takes about a year to enjoy the benefits of a pretty foot that fits into normal shoes, with no pain. Have patience. Contrast baths are a great way to get rid of swelling, and increase the blood supply to the divided bones and joints. "Mojo" makes the coolest looking compression socks. They come in different colors, and look sort of like soccer socks. You can get them on Amazon for about $20 a pair. They aren't too difficult to put on, especially with a little baby powder, and they feel wonderful, not to mention that they control swelling. We all need professional physical therapy after this surgery. The therapist will help you stretch the tendons, fight adhesion freeze, and will minimize pain with massage, laser and e-stim. The laser has a great side-effect. Not only does it help with healing, but it drastically reduces the scar. If there is no progress after about nine months, your Dr should hook you up with a bone growth stimulator. Don't be surprised if you get a lump. Bone healing causes a callus to form.This is healthy healing tissue with increased blood supply. The bone will slowly reshape itself into the original contours over the course of a year in a process called molding. Walk therapy in a pool is good, but don't overdo any foot rolling. This surgery is not a quick fix, and requires patience.