Swelling issues with bunionectomy - Foot Problems Message Board

carolcrone · 02-16-2004, 02:37 PM

I went to the doc today, an unscheduled visit, because I'd been having so much pain 8 weeks after my bunionectomy. According to him, the intense big toe joint pain, the sprained ankle feel, and the enlarged bruise at the base of my little toe are all caused by swelling of the foot. Fortunately x-rays showed that the ankle is OK, the big toe joint is still aligned, and no bunion is coming back. When my foot starts swelling (lately this starts happening mid-morning), the big toe joint is so swollen on the bottom that when I walk (or hobble), my weight is thrown outside onto that poor little toe joint, causing my ankle tendons to stress. Has anybody else had this problem & what did you do about it? It seems bending my toe with the exercises he gave me just makes the swelling worse, but I'm afraid it will totally seize up if I quit exercising it. I'm going to try the bextra he gave me to reduce swelling. I already keep the foot up & iced when I'm not at work. Also I now have to wear a toe splint when I'm sleeping, as the big toe has leaned back over again. He also said barefoot walking, even to the bathroom is out, as is wearing my birkenstocks. Lace up shoes are the only ones I can wear (why didn't he tell me this 3 weeks ago!).

Lasoniamacaroni · 02-16-2004, 03:54 PM

Hi! I had everything you just mentioned to a tee. I would check with your doctor first, but I did my alphabets with my foot. This will help get the ankle back into shape. This was a lifesaver. I was literally dragging my foot because my ankle was so swollen and didn't move. It is a horrible feeling. Are you planning on going to physical therapy. I thought it was a waste of time myself until I went and saw the results. It's amazing what those dumb little exercises they have you do does for mobility and swelling. Good luck and keep me posted.

twobadfeet · 02-16-2004, 06:53 PM

Um--I hate to sound dumb, but how do you do your alphabets with your foot? I'm open to anything at this point that will strengthen my toes and ankle.

twobadfeet

Lasoniamacaroni · 02-17-2004, 06:18 AM

You pretend you are writing each letter out with your foot, as if you had ink on your toes.

twobadfeet · 02-17-2004, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lasoniamacaroni

You pretend you are writing each letter out with your foot, as if you had ink on your toes.

O.k., I tried it--ouch! I assume I was supposed to draw the letters with my toe on the floor. Is it supposed to hurt? Does it hurt you? Did your doctor tell you specifically what it will do for you? (Whenever I have to do something painful or difficult, I get through it be reminding myself that I'm doing something good for my body; it helps to focus on the good that will come from it.) Thanks.

twobadfeet