Thoughts on Physcial Therapy - Foot Problems Message Board

eko · 04-21-2004, 11:54 AM

Let me lay out my story. In Aug 2003 I had a Brostrom Repair and Bunionectomy on my right foot. Within three weeks after surgery I was in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism (PE) and the day I was discharged I learned that my big toe (the one that had the bunionectomy) had dislocated (it dislocated a second time as well). Anyway, because of the PE I had to wait for 6 months to have surgery to fix the dislocation, so March 3, 2004 my toe was fused.

Anyway I am now 7 weeks post-op from the fusion and wearing tennis shoes, but have a nice limp. Part of that is due to soreness at the fusion sight, but I have noticed that because of the 8 months that lapsed between procedures that my ankle seems really tight and my leg is seriously out of shapes.

I am interested in your thoughts regarding Physical Therapy. My Dr. has not mentioned it, but earlier felt that I would gain more ROM once I started walking again. I see him again in about 5 weeks. Thanks much!
-Ellen

kfs333 · 04-21-2004, 01:57 PM

I think PT should help. I know that I will have to go through PT and I'm also going to do water therapy.

danged_feet · 04-21-2004, 03:32 PM

My doc hasn't mentioned PT either and I seen him yesterday and he just said to keep working the ROM exercises he has been having me do the the last 3 weeks. In my case they are working and I am walking in a shoe part time and the cam boot part time. The muscles in my knee were what gave me the most probelms, that 1st week the thing was pretty sore and weak.

I will say I have not been off my feet as long as you(6 weeks here) and if you have been inactive for that long, PT will most likely be needed to help you get a good start on recouping lost strength and mobility.

Mephesto · 04-21-2004, 04:02 PM

I was immoblized and non weight bearing for four months and I know exactly what you're talking about. I am finally walking now fully weight bearing out of the cam walker and my ankle always hurts, heel to toe walking is almost impossible because of the soreness in my toes and center of my foot, and also my knee sometimes hurts something awful. A couple years back I had knee tracking problems. Not a big deal just a imbalance in the muscles that pulls my kneecaps sideways. I went to PT and they fixed me right up, now I fear this problem has returned. Anyways I've been back in PT now for a couple weeks, before I started weight bearing out of the cam walker. And I've gained about 18 degrees in my toes and like 7 in my ankle. It was heartening to know I've progressed. I definetly recommend PT, I always feel better afterwards. My PT has told me that as I start walking its possible I'll develop problems in my knees, hips, and back, but that as it happens they'll correct it.

Dennis2 · 04-21-2004, 05:59 PM

Hello,
This is just my opinion, of course, but I would be inclined to phone the Doctor's office and ask for a prescription for physical therapy. If he is totally against it, then that settles the issue...unless you want to pursue on your own or seek another opinion. I suspect he would let you give it a try, unless he has a reason to delay it...perhaps he doesn't want to risk any extreme movement of the fused joint until your bone mending has progressed further.
At any rate, if you do begin physical therapy, and are not satisfied with the results or the therapist, do not be afraid to try a second physical therapist. I engaged in some therapy with a PT who was competent, but I just wasn't making any progress. I went to a second office and was surprised at how much more the therapists there could offer. Another comment, I believe you might find that some physical therapists would have different levels of experience, and some would, say, want to specialize in treatment of shoulder problems as opposed to foot/ankle problems. A good physical therapist is worth their weight in gold.....like a good doctor! Keep us posted. Signed, Dennis.....still postponing the fusion for myself!