I am three months post bunion surgery. I was lucky in that I had no pain. However, the problem I am having is that my big toe does not lie flat on the ground. It is only about 1/8 inch off the ground but enough to mess up my walk and how the rest of my foot takes my weight. Has anyone else had this problem and been given any exercises to improve this? Is this normal? Is it because of the swelling? Will it improve? I am kind of freaking out but my doctor does not seem concerned. Thanks for any suggestions.

Have you had any physical therapy? I didn't have that particular problem when I had my left foot bunionectomy but I remember at FOUR MONTHS post-op it did not feel "normal" and I was told by the Dr. that the recovery was about 8 weeks (ha!). I found that after about 6 weeks of physical therapy and 5.5 months post-op, my foot finally felt normal. I have heard of folks on this board speak of what you are having, though..
PMCW(Paula)
right foot bunionectomy 1/6/04
left foot 5/03

I did ask my doctor about physical therapy. He said it was both unnecessary (I could do the required toe moving up and down and race walking exercises on my own) and unadvisable (he thinks the physical therapist will work it harder than he would like). I have another appt with him this week and will ask him again. If he still says no, I'm going to go on my own. Based on all the postings I've seen here today, it seems physical therapy is pretty common and helpful.

Thanks.

I did ask my doctor about physical therapy. He said it was both unnecessary (I could do the required toe moving up and down and race walking exercises on my own) and unadvisable (he thinks the physical therapist will work it harder than he would like). I have another appt with him this week and will ask him again. If he still says no, I'm going to go on my own. Based on all the postings I've seen here today, it seems physical therapy is pretty common and helpful.

Thanks.
I am 8 months post op and have the same problem. My big toe will not lie flat on the ground and sticks up off the floor. I've been for another opinion and now he's telling me it is scar tissue and will need surgery to "try" and fix it. I'm not happy with it at all. Doesn't hurt but looks stupid - traded one problem for another. It does feel uncomfortable when I'm barefoot cause the toe doesn't move but isn't too bad in shoes. I've been for lots of physiotheray and also tried massage therapy and nothing worked to get it bending. I'm thinking of going for one more (this will be 3 ) opinion. Keep us posted on your progress...

Physical therapy can help with scar tissue and bunk on the statement from the doctor that it won't help...Physical therapists know what they're doing. I think there has been some political problems between doctors and PT's because (at least in our state): doctors used to have to approve PT and now they don't have to (and doctors don't like that). I'm sort of mad my doctor didn't order PT with my first bunionectomy, as I think it would have made my recovery much quicker. I am starting PT with my right foot at about 6 or 8 weeks post-op as opposed to 4 months post-op like I did with my other foot.

I was visiting with a lady who had hip replacement last year and she was telling me how horrible it was yet her ortho.Dr. kept telling her she was healed and it would get better...Finally after months and months of being bent over and not being able to move she finally went to physical therapy (not on her doctor's advice). She and I were both singing the praises of it in the grocery store!! The docs think their job is done when the bone is healed on the x-ray...not so!

Just my .02!
PMCW (Paula)
right foot bunionectomy 1/6/04
left foot 5/03
still shuffling in a blue shoe but doing SO MUCH better..no pain, some swelling..

I think I am having the same problem with the foot not lying completely flat. It only begins actually hurting when I walk for hours on end with my part time waitress job. I end up with terrible blisters on my baby toe and fourth toe because my weight it going on the outside of my foot. I am still in physical therapy and plan on addressing this issue on Monday. Like crutches said, you trade in one problem for another. It's neverending.

This doesn't "solve" your problem, but perhaps you could improve your walk and relieve some of the weight on the rest of your foot by getting an orthotic. I'm not too experienced with this, but I believe the doctor makes an orthotic by taking a mold of your foot. The fact that your toe is a bit higher will probably show up in the mold and thus get a proper orthotic.

Carlos

I found out today that you still need a doctor referral in my state in order to go to a PT. However, I did find another doc who will refer me if my surgeon won't.

And, yes, to Carlos, I think orthotics might help. At least when not barefoot.

I think I am having the same problem with the foot not lying completely flat. It only begins actually hurting when I walk for hours on end with my part time waitress job. I end up with terrible blisters on my baby toe and fourth toe because my weight it going on the outside of my foot. I am still in physical therapy and plan on addressing this issue on Monday. Like crutches said, you trade in one problem for another. It's neverending.

I also have noticed that after walking for awhile in my runners with my orthotics my baby toe and fourth toe start going numb. The orthotics have helped distribute the pressure but not 100%. Barefoot is not comfortable at all. I just don't know what I'm going to do. I can't take 8 weeks off work again this year so I'm not doing anything until next year. But I'm also afraid surgery to remove the scar tissue could make it worse so will have to think about it. Might get one more opinion.

Hi, I just had bunion surgery on Nov. 19th. Two weeks ago my doc said if my toe didn't sit flat he'd put me in therapy after he let me try exercises at home. Well its been two weeks, my incision is still a little tender and he is putting me and sorry he didn't start sooner. He's a good doc and is not happy with my limited toe mobility. I think my walk is fine but my toe movement is noticeably limited. I'll let you know how goes. If anything I think the therapy will help.