2 weeks ago tomorrow, my OS put me in a walking cast after being NWB for 6 weeks. I was not ready to walk out of the office, and he said fine, but try and be off crutches in 3 weeks. So, when I see him on the 16th of July, he wants me to be off crutches--but I just don't know if that's feasible! Nobody gave me any guidelines. My aunt, who's a PT, told me to "just start walking on it". It will be bad for a week, but I need to start building those calf muscles up again. I didn't like that idea, and called *my* PT, who helped me last summer and will probably do my rehab again this summer. He was much more into gradual weightbearing--5%, 10%, 15%, of my weight etc, so I did that.

As of now, I'm still using 2 crutches to support me as I get around. I was gradually weight bearing, but am afraid to give up crutches, so today, I told myself to get over it and walk with no aids. I have been walking around my house without my crutches. I am finding it very difficult to walk like this. My leg feels weak; my gait is off, and my foot is hurting. I'm walking heel-toe with my knee bent, like the cast tech said. Does anyone have any tips to share with me on how to get walking again? Does my pain/weakness seem typical? I was so worried about the surgery itself that I didn't think much about the recovery-- this is hard! Also, when do docs take you out of casts? I was NWB for longer than expected, and my OS keeps telling me I'll be out of casts "when I'm ready". I'm not pushing him, but I'm just wondering if the cast is keeping me from walking normally.

Thanks much for the help/support.


--Karyn

Karyn,

I can't remember what you had done, but I can relate to learning to walk again and I am still working on it. Slow and steady is the way to go. The weakness and pain you are feeling is pretty typical. I take that you are in a non-removable walking cast. It probably would be easier if you were in a CAM Walker, maybe your OS will move you to that next. I was NWB for 3 weeks, then partially WB for 5 weeks. Keep on working on it, it will get better over time. -Ellen

It sounds like you are at least making progress if you were able to try walking without crutches today. It's hard to see the progress day-by-day, but don't give up!

Instead of going straight from two crutches to no crutches, you might try using one crutch for a few days. You should use it on the side opposite your bad foot. When I first learned about people using one crutch, I didn't really see how it would make much of a difference or what the point was, but when I was getting off crutches I found that it really helped. It lets you take some of the weight off and helps with your balance.

Good luck and hang in there. If you keep with it, it will get better!

I had a re-correction bunion osteotomy and hammertoe surgery 8 weeks ago. For 6 weeks I was NWB. Now I am suppose to be putting weight on my foot. I have been using a walker instead of crutches as I do not feel safe on the crutches. I just do not feel that I can step on the foot and walk without the walker. My leg muscles are atropied. I know what you are going through. I never expected such a long recovery. I have not seen my doctor in 4 weeks. I have an appt on the 12th. Actually I have only seen him twice since the surgery. I am so frustrated I even have dreams that I am walking again. How did you take your first step? I know if sounds like a stupid question but I'm really apprehensive about the pain and falling.....

I had my surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago hammertoe, 2 bunions removed. I developed a bad infection was in the hospital for 6 days. I went to the Dr this past Tues. he said loose the surgical shoe and crutches today! Let me tell you.....it was VERY painfull and extremely hard at first. I used one crutch for the first day and today I'm walking without anything.By the end of the day my foot is very sore and painfull. By the end of the day if I have to leave the house I use the one crutch method.You should really try using one crutch.Just keep trying, don't give up! As they say NO PAIN NO GAIN....LOL
Good luck, Sue

I was NWB for 6 weeks then went to a walking cast. It took me about 1 1/2 weeks to be totally free of the crutches. I used then both while putting slight weight on my foot. I gradually increased to walking with one. First I started taking a few steps at a time without them. Even when I was walking without them, I had the crutches handy. Good luck and each day will be a little better than the one before it.

JDM

Thanks for all the help! I'm shocked that the doctors don't give many suggestions for weaning off crutches! I've been making myself walk around the house without crutches, but I hate it. I know I have 6 more days, but I don't know if I'll be able to walk, no crutches, into my OS visit. It's a long walk from the entrance to the elevator, and an even LONGER walk from the elevator to his suite... I might make it there on one crutch, but not zero.

I'm really trying to deal with the pain at home walking alone, but when I go out, I support myself with two crutches. I'm faster, and feel more confident. I feel "jerky" without my crutches... I don't feel like I can roll through steps on my right foot; that I'm limping. I'm a little concerned because my aunt, a PT, told me that if I feel off balance, I should get some PT right away-- if you start developing gait problems while healing, it really throws the rest of your body out of alignment, and could lead to future knee/back injuries, etc.

jdm, how long were you in the walking cast for? I love my OS, but he's not very helpful in letting me know what's up next... Do I go to another walking cast, or what? He tells me, "I'll be ready when I'm ready" :) What is a CAM walker?

cuvanni, I just put weight on my foot while being close to something that would catch me if I fell. Try a counter, table; etc. I would try PWB first though, but I feel I'm still in the same boat you are. I want to push myself, but I'm just finding it really hard to judge how much. I know that walking is the only way to get strength back in the muscles (at this point), but I'm afraid to push too much, and that's no good either. I don't think I should be in pain, and if that's the case, I'm not going to push it, but no one gave me any goals, or told me what I should/should not be feeling. I know everyone's been saying "it will get better everyday" but so far, it's getting worse as I up the time I weightbear on my right foot. I just wish my OS could tell me what's perfectly normal--and what to watch out for.

Hang in there everyone!

--Karyn

[QUOTE= I'm a little concerned because my aunt, a PT, told me that if I feel off balance, I should get some PT right away-- if you start developing gait problems while healing, it really throws the rest of your body out of alignment, and could lead to future knee/back injuries, etc.

[/QUOTE]

Hi Karyn,

I have some concern about limping and gait as I recover from a bunionectomy (three weeks post at this point). I'm able to put on my regular shoes (so happy!) and walk almost normally in them, but when I am barefoot I still hobble and I cannot seem to put my weight on the toe. I keep walking on the outside of the foot, and my foot actually seems bent a little this way--that is, the inside of the foot seems turned "up" off the floor a tad. My doctor said it just feels this way because of some residual swelling around the toe (and of course it's still numb there) and any knee problems I have while walking funny will resolve as soon as I start walking normally again. But your comment about the need for PT worries me. Is there really a window of opportunity in which PT can help, and if I miss it will I be stuck with permanent damage? The only PT I was prescribed was to do toe flexibility exercises every day, and apparently my toe is unusually flexible for this stage of the recovery. Any thoughts on other exercises I can do at home to make my barefoot gait more normal?

Karynlr...

I know exactly what you are going through. My OS did not give me any instructions on walking nor did I even get any instructions on how to use the crutches after surgery. For the 6 weeks I was NWB I used a wheelchair because I felt so unsteady on the crutches. I now am using a walker as I feel safer. Believe me, I feel your frustration. I have an appointment tomorrow with the OS and hopefully I'll be able to get some helpful information on how to take that first step. At this point I'm not sure how much weight to put on my foot or if I should try to bend it when I walk. I think 4 weeks between appointments is too long. I feel like all they were interested in was doing the surgery and the rest of it was for me to figure out. My doctor is with a large orthopedic group in Tampa. He was highly recommended. I'll let you know what 'advice' he gives me. Take care....

My mind is also not working....I have an appt on Monday, not tomorrow..... :confused:

squirrelmom,

I think what my aunt was saying is that once you start babying your foot, or walking incorrectly, you put stress and strain on other parts of the body--the wrong parts-- and that can lead to problems in the future. Do you still see the PT? If you don't, I'd call them back. They *should* look at your posture, gait, etc. I think some guidance from the PT would help prevent any future problems.... it's worth a call. She lives a couple of time zones away, so maybe I'll call her tonight and see what she says, because it's becoming a problem with me too! I think your PT is the one to call on this, though, because no one seems to stress as much proper form and function as they do-- it's just not an area of expertise with these doctors. Your recovery sounds fast though; is your recovery typical of bunionectiomies?

cuvanni,

I've heard about that gigantic practice before--is it really organized? I thought the 8 doctor practice I see is big, yours really is! The 8 doctor internist practice I go to is so unorganized; but my OS is amazing. Every call, inquiry, or concern is handled by the end of the day, and you either have seen the doctor, have an appointment for the next day he's at that office, or have a prescription waiting at the pharmacy. 4 weeks does seem long though... I've had only a couple of weeks inbetween mine. I forget, are you in a cast? You might want to ask your OS for some PT before he'd normally prescribe it. It sounds like you are having a tough time just trusting that leg, and PT might give you the confidence/support you need. They can also help you strengthen the leg muscles too, so you don't feel as wobbly, if that's the case!

Who knew recovery would be this extensive? It's hard to learn first hand that they truly mean "use it or lose it"!

--Karyn

I had my doctor appt yesterday and he has prescribed PT 2X week for 6 weeks. He said I have so much scar tissue as this was the second surgery on my foot. The first bunion surgery was done incorrectly 12 years ago. This surgery was much more extensive. The PT will help strenghten my leg and help me walk. After reading some posts on this site I have felt like what's wrong with me as some people are up walking and back to work after a short time. I have been out of work almost 9 weeks and the doc wants me to be out another 6 weeks. Guess I didn't realize how extensive the surgery was. Thank goodness for disability income from work.....

cuvanni,
What type of bunion surgery did you have and what kind of work do you do?
Thanx, Sue

cuvanni,

What did he say about you not walking yet? I was doing well, and then a few days ago, I started getting horrible pain in my foot while walking. It's in a different place than my incision (the medial part of my foot in front of my heel), and the shooting pains have gotten worse. I know my OS will be disappointed, but I don't think I'm going to make it from the entrance to his office without some support from crutches. Do you have a cast still? I'm wondering what he's going to do on Friday... When do you start PT?

--Karyn

Susieblueeyes....I had a re-correction osteotomy. I'm not sure of the name...They cut the bone further up and away from my toe so that is why it was so unstable for walking. They removed the screw from my surgery 12 years ago. It was down closer to my big toe. I have 2 incisions for the re-do. One on the side of my foot and one on top of my foot. I also have a long incision on my 2nd toe and up my foot that is from a hammertoe. They removed part of the joint, released some of the tendons and repositioned the toe with a long pin. I work as a Senior Underwriter for a large insurance co. Even though a lot of my work is sedentary, a lot involves getting around the office to get files, faxing, etc.

Karenlr.... The doctor said that because of my prior surgery I have so much scar tissue so that is preventing me form bending my foot. He also is putting me in PT to help with my gait and the strenghtning of my leg as my leg looks like a toothpick compared to my other leg. I never had a cast, just the ugly blue surgical shoe. Personally, I think if I had been seeing my doctor every 2 weeks instead of 4 weeks I would not be in this predicament. My OS is one of the best in the country. He may be an expert at surgery but I feel that his follow up care could use improvement.... If I were you I would not push it until Friday. I would let your doc take an x-ray and make sure there is nothing going on....My first appt for PT is next Monday....I'm apprehensive but I'm also looking forward to taking that first step on my own...GOOD LUCK on Friday. Keep us informed......

cuvanni,
Thank you for your response. I was wondering about those questions because I have been out of work since May 8th. I first had surgery on my right foot for the 3rd time.and still have more surgery to be done on that foot. But while we were waiting for doctors to take vacations we decided to try to correct some problems that I had on my left foot. Bunion,bunion(pinkie toe)and hammertoe(second toe). Then I developed a bad infection in my left foot/leg.So now it is July 13th and my disability papers say Sept 1st as a release date for full duty.My disability is soon to run out.But I'm so sick of people thinking that bunion surgery is no big deal.HaHa let them deal with it.
Sorry, but I just got back from a Dr. appt. and I'm a bit frustrated.
Once again, thanx

Sue

susieblueeyes........I totally understand your feelings on how some people think bunion surgery is 'no big deal'. I had someone tell me yesterday that they couldn't understand why I have been out of work for so long after a 'little toe surgery'. People like that do not deserve an answer.... There are so many types of surgeries to repair bunion problems. Unfortunately not everyone recovers the same.....You mentioned that you have had previous surgery on your foot. You probably have a lot of scar tissue also. My doc told me that it is difficult to operate again on a foot as there are so many bones, etc. and the healing time takes a lot longer....Whay type of work do you do? Has your company been understanding about your disability leave? So far mine has but that may change now that he wants me to be out another 6 weeks.

cuvanni,
I had bunion surgery last Nov and was out of work for 8 weeks and in Mar. I had the hardware removed and was out for 2 weeks.And I think I mentioned that I have been out again since June 8.I work for a local supermarket chain as an Asst. dept mgr.Which requires me to be on my feet from 9-530 non stop. I spend alot of time kneeling, squating, climbing and what ever else I might have to do that might injure my feet.I have been doing this for 25 years at the same job. They are not too happy with me right about now. 25 years nice huh? They think Im out for the summer having a grand ol time.If these people only knew.
Thanx, Sue

cuvanni, susie, and all:

I saw Dr. Zingas this morning, and now he has me in a fracture boot (a removable cast ONLY to be removed during showers and sleeping; STILL no driving :)) and getting some PT. He wasn't as concerned about the pain as I thought he would be, but he's MUCH more gentle with me than some of the other patients! I guess crying before your surgery really does have its merits... I think he's afraid if he's stern and says, "Put weight on that foot!" like he told some of the others, the waterworks will start again! (He still kind of tiptoes into the room, puts him arm around my shoulders *every* visit, and says, "Are you feeling better yet, hon?" :) Don't know what I'd do without him--he's incredible!)

He wasn't very concerned (much less than I thought he'd be) about my lack of progress, but thought PT wouldn't be able to help much until I'm bearing full weight. I kind of disagree with that--I think I need someone to hold my hand and give me smaller goals rather than the broad "off the crutches in 3 weeks"--so he said " well let's give PT a shot!" It's good to have the cast off, but still painful. I soaked it and put a little cream on it so the PT doesn't have to have such a disgusting foot to look at!

Iam frustrated about the potential of a stump neuroma though. I'm 9 weeks post op, and Dr. Zingas kept saying at 12 weeks, we can start to consider shooting nerve pain the result of a stump neuroma, yet today, he told me that "24 weeks will give us a much better picture". I think that since I'm still having nerve pain, it's hard to tell if it's surgical pain still or the neuroma, but I was so exasperated-- I just don't see the end to all of this! PT is just the beginning, and boy, do I need a lot of work!

We did talk about recovery time/technique of the follow-up surgery if needbe, because I am a control freak/worrier who needs to plan! Another surgery would be smaller, less recovery, but still NWB and PWB portions. I'm seeing my wonderful PT from last summer, Sunil, to start therapy today at 3:30 P, and I think a PT is a wonderful asset. Cuvanni, I know you felt the followup portion of your surgery was lacking, but I think you'll enjoy PT. You'll get a lot of attention, and you'll feel better about walking.

So here's to our next phase of recovery... it means so much that this board is here, and we can all get through this together!

Take care everyone,

Karyn

karyn...Glad to hear your doc is sending you for PT. Like you, I feel that I need the PT to get things rolling. After 9 weeks I have come too far to mess it up now. I need to get the professional guidance. I just wish my doc had suggested this 3 weeks ago. Let us know how your PT went.

Hi Karyn,

Glad to hear that you are doing well and that you are out of your cast. You must feel a bit more free than before. I still say take your time getting back on your foot. That was my biggest mistake, I got so frustrated that I walked a lot sooner than I should have. I am walking fine now, but I had to deal with a lot pain during walking. I am now 10 weeks post op, now doing PT twice a week. I am told that I have a lot of scar tissue, my foot is stiff when I wake up mornings, it takes a while to get going. The PT told me to massage my foot, soak it in hot water and then ice it. She is using ultra sound and laser on me during every visit on the top and bottom of my foot. I will see the surgeon in August.

Like you Karyn I am concerned for the possibility of the return of the neuroma or trapped nerve. I still feel a bit of twitching in my foot and have pain quite a bit. I am still hoping that it is healing pain..

Well take care and have a great weekend everyone..

Hi all :wave: ,
PT is going to be long and hard! We are first working on strengthening my hip/knee/leg/ankle before doing much work on the foot. I learned a lot of exercises today, got a little bit of ultrasound, and a foot massage. Sunil is more concerned with getting me walking than getting my foot desensitized and breaking up the scar tissue--for the time being. I am kind of shocked that Dr. Zingas was reluctant to schedule therapy, since it seems like it will be very helpful! Sunil is wonderful; he pushes me just enough, but not too much. He wants me to use the crutches for now, until I get more strength. He's good, and Dr. Zingas is good; it's wonderful to have a good team!

cuvanni--have you walked at all yet; or even tried to bear weight? Your first PT appointment is on Monday though, right? They will be so helpful, you won't even believe it! Don't worry, they didn't make me walk today--hopefully, your PT will ease you into it too :)

CJ, I'm not completely free--yet--the doc is "really serious" about only taking the "cast" off for PT, showers, and bedtime, and the thing itself is really hot! Still no driving... :( I do need the support he says, definately. He keeps saying "we want to get you into a shoe!", and today, I asked him what the elusive shoe was--a surgical shoe, or my real shoe? First it's a surgical shoe, *then* a real shoe! Did I mention that the road to recovery is long? :rolleyes: The "Darth Vader boot" (Dr. Zingas's assistant calls it that!) and I are going to be getting to know each other... Anyways, are you seeing a podiatrist or OS? Have you tried any pain-relievers yet for nerve pain like Neurontin or Elavil or Lidoderm? Those might be helpful for the time being... how is the nerve pain doing as of now? Has the PT offered any suggestions/ideas? Hang in there; I'm always here if you have neuroma questions. I feel with that injury, you tend to get bounced around from doc to doc, and it is soooo frustrating.

Take care,
Karyn

Here is to progress, and to walking again!!!! :) Sounds like you have a great PT, breaking up the scar tissue and desensitizing the foot is the place to start. Before you go to bed at night be sure to massage your scar to help break-up scar tissue, the more little things you can do at home will help in the long run. When my cast came off and I was in my CAM walker, at night I would soak my foot in warm water to soften up the yucky dead stuff then using a wash rag would scrub it, them I would massage lotion into my foot - it felt good and yeah, it looked a whole lot better.

Take care and have a nice weekend! -eko ;)

Karyn...I went for my first PT appt...Like you, they are more concerned about getting me walking again.....He took a lot of measurements today. He also started me on some exercises that I need to do at home 5x a day. He told me to continue to use the walker and not try to walk without it until I regain some strength in my leg and ankle. He feels the process will probably take longer than the 6 weeks the doc prescribed. I just wish my doc had started me on PT 3 weeks ago. He felt I should be walking around the house in 3 to 4 weeks and out in public in 2 to 3 months. I had no idea going into this that the recovery would be soooooo long! Work will probably not be happy when I tell them.....Oh well......At least now I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.....Hang in there...also Susieblueeyes....we'll get through this...