I am about 8 weeks out of surgery and am experiencing similar issues regarding my lack of movement/stiffness in the big toe joint. I had both big toes done and unfortunately had to miss my last 'checkup' appointment because I lost my insurance. Because of this I am paranoid that my toes have not healed properly (no final xray to prove otherwise) I'm glad I found this thread which has made me feel a bit better that I am not alone in this aggravating lack of movement. To respond to someone else's question, though, I do think the Dr.s are purposely misleading us, I was also told a shorter recovery/heal time than is obviously true. I had 2 more appointments required AFTER the original finished date I was given. Moral of the story: I am another unsatisfied customer with my surgery and wish I hadn't gone through with it.
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Hi/ I am 12 weeks out of surgery. I am back to walking the treadmill, etc. however I am experiencing pain on the side and under the foot.
I am worried that something is wrong. I go for my final check up tomorrow and xrays so I am hoping all is well. My swelling was very bad up until a few days ago. It is finally going down (but still not normal).
Do not be discouraged. It does take time and I think you will be satisfied in time. Foot surgery is not a walk in the park. It is serious and takes long to recover. Be patient. That's all we can do. I am having the other foot done in November. Write again.
I am worried that something is wrong. I go for my final check up tomorrow and xrays so I am hoping all is well. My swelling was very bad up until a few days ago. It is finally going down (but still not normal).
Do not be discouraged. It does take time and I think you will be satisfied in time. Foot surgery is not a walk in the park. It is serious and takes long to recover. Be patient. That's all we can do. I am having the other foot done in November. Write again.
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Hear, hear! I had both feet de-bunionized in 2005. My podiatrist recommended that I first only have the right foot fixed, as the left one wasn't that severe, but I (correctly) suspected that my health insurance would not be around in a year and insisted that we get it done & over with.
I was sent home with two giant clodhopper sandals and 2 week's worth of Vicodin (highly recommended-I'd picked it because I'd had it with previous surgery--you'll still hurt, but you won't care.) After two weeks Vico-baked with my feet up, I went back and had the casts/stitches removed and sent back home with instructions to start walking, begin trying to stand on my tiptoes, otherwise keep my feet up with cold packs to reduce swelling, and take ibuprofen as needed.
I couldn't imagine standing on my tiptoes. It hurt like the devil just thinking about it, but he warned that muscles/tendons required it. So...I did it every day, and bit by bit it became easier/less agonizing. After 6 weeks I could finally wear "real" shoes, so long as they were my Chuck Taylors (you can put them on without bending your toes up and it's easy to adjust the fit) ; after three months the swelling had reduced enough to be fit for orthotics; after 6 months I felt healed enough to wear any shoes.
So-I now have scars on my feet and the inside of my left big toe/second toe stills feels a bit "asleep" (nerve damage-feels weird but not painful), but it was worth it. The healing takes a long time. Not much you can do to speed it up, but it does happen.
I was sent home with two giant clodhopper sandals and 2 week's worth of Vicodin (highly recommended-I'd picked it because I'd had it with previous surgery--you'll still hurt, but you won't care.) After two weeks Vico-baked with my feet up, I went back and had the casts/stitches removed and sent back home with instructions to start walking, begin trying to stand on my tiptoes, otherwise keep my feet up with cold packs to reduce swelling, and take ibuprofen as needed.
I couldn't imagine standing on my tiptoes. It hurt like the devil just thinking about it, but he warned that muscles/tendons required it. So...I did it every day, and bit by bit it became easier/less agonizing. After 6 weeks I could finally wear "real" shoes, so long as they were my Chuck Taylors (you can put them on without bending your toes up and it's easy to adjust the fit) ; after three months the swelling had reduced enough to be fit for orthotics; after 6 months I felt healed enough to wear any shoes.
So-I now have scars on my feet and the inside of my left big toe/second toe stills feels a bit "asleep" (nerve damage-feels weird but not painful), but it was worth it. The healing takes a long time. Not much you can do to speed it up, but it does happen.
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I had a bunionectomy a year and a half ago, and I am virtually pain free. (At least I was until the screws starting sticking me). The healing process did take longer than I suspected, however. It took about 7-8 months before I was back to normal... dancing three to four nights a week and able to wear the the shoes I love. I'm having the screws removed next week. Let's hope this goes well.
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It's been 12 weeks since my bunionectomy (right foot). I had the top bone removed also. I too was told recovery would be 4-6 weeks. I am in tears reading everything I have read on this site. I too have been calling my dr. and he insists that I need more time. The top has a big bump or what he calls swelling. It feels pretty hard to be swollen.
I can not bend my big toe inward but it does not hurt trying. But it does hurt pulling the toe up. I can not wear closed shoes and cold weather is fast approaching. I saw my dr. this past Wednesday and he gave me a shot of what I believe was cortazon on the knuckle of my foot and has not helped one bit. I called him back later that day and he told me that it would take a day to take affect. Well it's been a full day later and it's the same as before. Now not only does my foot still looks like it has a big bump on top but now I also have a scar and in more pain and can not wear normal shoes. I guess I'll keep on wearing flip flops.
I am considering a second opinion??
I can not bend my big toe inward but it does not hurt trying. But it does hurt pulling the toe up. I can not wear closed shoes and cold weather is fast approaching. I saw my dr. this past Wednesday and he gave me a shot of what I believe was cortazon on the knuckle of my foot and has not helped one bit. I called him back later that day and he told me that it would take a day to take affect. Well it's been a full day later and it's the same as before. Now not only does my foot still looks like it has a big bump on top but now I also have a scar and in more pain and can not wear normal shoes. I guess I'll keep on wearing flip flops.
I am considering a second opinion??
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So many are complaining of pain so soon after surgery. Believe me, I understand having pain. That's why I'm on this site. I had surgery Oct. 24 and I'm a bit uncomfortable. But I remember from the very beginning my dr. telling me this surgery was not quick and easy. I was told it may take up to 6 months before I am comfortable. I was told that I couldn't work for 2 months, minimum. So I'd say just give it time. Oh, my mom had bunionectomy on both feet and said recovery was tough and long but that she's so happy she did it. She is now painfree and can wear any kind of shoe. Let's keep our heads and feet up. :-D
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So many are complaining of pain so soon after surgery. Believe me, I understand having pain. That's why I'm on this site. I had surgery Oct. 24 and I'm a bit uncomfortable. But I remember from the very beginning my dr. telling me this surgery was not quick and easy. I was told it may take up to 6 months before I am comfortable. I was told that I couldn't work for 2 months, minimum. So I'd say just give it time. Oh, my mom had bunionectomy on both feet and said recovery was tough and long but that she's so happy she did it. She is now painfree and can wear any kind of shoe. Let's keep our heads and feet up. :-D
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Just for those that are concerned about their post-operative abilities, I found this information on line that I thought was informative.
What To Expect After Surgery
The usual recovery period after bunion surgery is 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. Complete healing may take as long as 1 year.
When you are showering or bathing, the foot must be kept covered to keep the stitches dry.
Stitches are removed after 7 to 21 days.
Pins that stick out of the foot are usually removed in 3 to 4 weeks, but in some cases are left in place for up to 6 weeks.
Walking casts, splints, special shoes, or wooden shoes are sometimes used. Regular shoes can sometimes be worn in about 4 to 5 weeks, but most procedures require wearing special shoes up to 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. Many activities can be resumed in about 6 to 8 weeks.
After some procedures, no weight can be put on the foot for 6 to 8 weeks. Then there are a few more weeks of partial weight-bearing with the foot in a special shoe or boot to keep the bones and soft tissues steady as they heal.
You can find more at
webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bunion-surgery
What To Expect After Surgery
The usual recovery period after bunion surgery is 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. Complete healing may take as long as 1 year.
When you are showering or bathing, the foot must be kept covered to keep the stitches dry.
Stitches are removed after 7 to 21 days.
Pins that stick out of the foot are usually removed in 3 to 4 weeks, but in some cases are left in place for up to 6 weeks.
Walking casts, splints, special shoes, or wooden shoes are sometimes used. Regular shoes can sometimes be worn in about 4 to 5 weeks, but most procedures require wearing special shoes up to 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. Many activities can be resumed in about 6 to 8 weeks.
After some procedures, no weight can be put on the foot for 6 to 8 weeks. Then there are a few more weeks of partial weight-bearing with the foot in a special shoe or boot to keep the bones and soft tissues steady as they heal.
You can find more at
webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bunion-surgery
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Wow! This site has proven to be helpful...I'm greatful to have worked with a physician who has not sold me a "pipe dream" regarding a quick and pain free recovery.
"What To Expect After Surgery"; Thank You! My surgery was on 11/06/08 for a hammer toe of the small toe and bunionectomy. I've had three follow-up appointments and have transistioned from the surgical boot to the "santa boot" and in two more weeks will transition back to the surgical boot. The pin was removed on the 20th (WHEW). I would compare it to a major form of accupuncture in a good way... all the stress and tension was released when the pin was pulled out. Do not walk on your foot if you have a pin in it. It has to be straight when it is pulled out, otherwise a slight bend will cause you discomfort when it is removed. A smaller pin and screww were used on the big toe to stabilize it. I'm now excercising the big toe a minimum of three times a day (10 minute intervals). It is really stiff, but then again it was wrapped up in tight bandages for two weeks. The foot is healing so I'm OK with that.
Good Luck and be patient. Your feet will have to carry you around for a long time. Trying to rush to get back into a "cute pair of shoes" is not worth it. Slow down and let the healing process take place. Also, I was prescribed hydrocodone and it was awful. OTC Aleve or Tylenol works just as well.
"What To Expect After Surgery"; Thank You! My surgery was on 11/06/08 for a hammer toe of the small toe and bunionectomy. I've had three follow-up appointments and have transistioned from the surgical boot to the "santa boot" and in two more weeks will transition back to the surgical boot. The pin was removed on the 20th (WHEW). I would compare it to a major form of accupuncture in a good way... all the stress and tension was released when the pin was pulled out. Do not walk on your foot if you have a pin in it. It has to be straight when it is pulled out, otherwise a slight bend will cause you discomfort when it is removed. A smaller pin and screww were used on the big toe to stabilize it. I'm now excercising the big toe a minimum of three times a day (10 minute intervals). It is really stiff, but then again it was wrapped up in tight bandages for two weeks. The foot is healing so I'm OK with that.
Good Luck and be patient. Your feet will have to carry you around for a long time. Trying to rush to get back into a "cute pair of shoes" is not worth it. Slow down and let the healing process take place. Also, I was prescribed hydrocodone and it was awful. OTC Aleve or Tylenol works just as well.
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I had bunion, hammer toe surgery with two K-wires on my second and third toe. It has been 6 and a half weeks. I can't move my toes and the holes where the wires were removed still hurt and are still not closesd. The doctor removed my stitches 2 weeks after surgery the cuts still look crusty it looks like there is stil stutures in there, but the doctor assured me there is not. He even looked through his bi-focules to make sure there was nothing in there. He told me not to wear the bandages any more even though the cuts look like they can get infected. He told me to put lotion any kind and wash it. Wow Jergens lotion really burns. I wish I would of never got the surgery. He told me to start walking and wear a sadal. Boy I cried the first time a slipped on the shoe. My son was really upset and told me to put the surgical shoe back on. I cant wait till I feel better.
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i had surgery in2007. i had a bunion removal plus two more toes done. I have two screws and one staple. And i still have problems today with my toes being stiff and not being able to move them. My doctor said my bone in my big toe didnt heal back the way it should have. But he was talking about going in and correct it after the incision was closed. But now im not under his care now and im not able to go abck to work. my concern is what can i do.
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I sympathise with Preston Artis. I had the same proceedure 3 months ago. I still cannot walk without crutches and am having intense physiotherapy.
My big toe only bends down a fraction and will not lift up. I have found out the surgeon removed the tendon in the big toe so it will never move. I do not know if this is normal proceedure.
My two toes stand up from the others and do not bend or move. One is so painful at the base it makes me cry when exercising it. I do not know if there is anything that can be done. The physio said it could be they were overcorrected.
I will carry on with the physio so I can hopefully finally walk without a limp and just pray the pain will reduce.
There seems little help for us out there.
jo
My big toe only bends down a fraction and will not lift up. I have found out the surgeon removed the tendon in the big toe so it will never move. I do not know if this is normal proceedure.
My two toes stand up from the others and do not bend or move. One is so painful at the base it makes me cry when exercising it. I do not know if there is anything that can be done. The physio said it could be they were overcorrected.
I will carry on with the physio so I can hopefully finally walk without a limp and just pray the pain will reduce.
There seems little help for us out there.
jo
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I HAD SURGERY STARTING 08/08,WHICH I ALSO UNDERSTOOD TO BE A 6-8 WK RECOVERY. WELL IT HAS NOW BEEN 8 MONTHS FOR BOTH FEET TO INCLUDE THE WIRING. WELL I FIRST STARTED WITH WHAT APPEARED TO BE BURN SPOTS,CONTINUOUS FEVERS AND SEVERE PAIN. HAD 3RD SURGERY TO REMOVE PIN ON 1 FOOT OTHERS STILL REMAIN,BECAUSE OF MAINTAINED SWELLING AND BONE CHIP THAT NOW HAS TO BE REMOVED.I CAN ONLY WALK ABOUT 30-45 MIN BEFORE SWELLING BEGINS. I HAVE GONE FROM WORKING FULL TIME,PLAYING RACKET BALL,WALLY BALL,SWIMMING AND WORKING OUT TO WALKING WITH 2 CAINS AND A WHEEL CHAIR. YOU TALKING ABOUT FRUSTRATED AND DEPRESSED!!!! THANK GOODNESS FOR GOD'S PEACE WHICH I'M COMING TO UNDERSTAND MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY. DID I MENTION A ACTIVE 4 YR OLD THAT I CAN NO LONGER RUN AFTER. I GO TO PT 3X'S A WEEK AND SCHEDULE TO HAVE BONE CHIP REMOVED IN MARCH AND WIRE AND PINS SOME TIME AFTER THAT. ON 1 FOOT NO BENDING TO ADD IF I TOUCH W/A COTTON BALL IT FEELS HORABLE,THE OTHER... WELL JUST IMAGINE 2 FEET A MESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOOKING FORWARD TO NORMALITY AGAIN !!!!!
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I had bunion surgery 2 years ago. If I had known it would end like this, I would have lived with the bunion. I did everything right, wore the boot, massaged my foot, etc. Well, my big toe bends up in the middle. The reason is because the ball of my foot is too big. I had numerous x-rays, therapy, ultrasound, & electrical stimulation for 6 weeks-nothing helped. The x-rays show that everything healed correctly. The doctor said I probably have scar tissue built up in the bottom of my foot. He can go in & get much of it out, but I will have to wear the boot again & it would be just like having bunion surgery all over again. Plus, he can't guarantee that it will work. I should tell you that having a bent toe was one of the questions I asked him before the surgery as 2 people I know had bunion surgery & their toe sticks up. He said he never heard of that happening. Seems funny that I am his first patient that had this happen. I wonder if he tells other people that he never heard of the big toe sticking up after bunion surgery. I can't go through that surgery again. My shoes do not fit right because the big toe is bent. This causes a callous now where the bend is. Looks awful. Was it worth it? No!
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I had my bunion/hammertoe surgery on 12/31/08. It's now almost 3 months. My doctor changed the bandages on my foot two days after surgery. When I was released from the hospital, they didnt' give me crutches or anything. I was non-weight bearing for about two weeks, then the doc said to start putting weight on it. Every week my doc changed the bandage. After 3 weeks, he removed all the stitches. He continued to re-wrap the foot every week. At week 6, he removed the pin from my 2nd toe (hammertoe) At week 9, the final bandages came off and I was allowed to wear a regular shoe. From day 1, I wore a surgical shoe. First couple weeks, I used a walker to get around, then I graduated to crutches and then finally a cane. Now, at 10 weeks post-op, I do wear a shoe for most of the day, but it does still bother me where the screws are. I have some movement in my toe, and even when it was bandaged, I was able to move my toe slightly. My main problem right now is that the 2nd toe (which was the cause of all my problems is still very swollen and makes it feel as if there is something in my shoe when I walk on it. Because of this, I am still walking on the outside of my foot, so both my ankle and knee tend to be very sore. I was not able to get my foot wet until the final bandage was removed. My biggest mistake was to stick my foot into the shower and use the water to get all the dead skin off. Although I can now wear a sox, I do sometimes have to put gauze over the area where the screws are in order to sleep at night. I have found that by putting lotion on my foot every morning and night, it is helping to take away some of the tenderness on the non-surgical part of the foot. However, the jury is still out on whether or not I made the right decision for having the surgery. I am hoping to get back to work in a couple more weeks, so that is when I will decide if the right choice was made. Meanwhile I think I will go and try to find another pair of shoes that fit a bit better.
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