How much pain is normal when learning to walk again? - Foot Problems Message Board

atsim · 10-02-2004, 08:03 AM

I would appreciate some advice please...
I had a great toe fusion 8 weeks ago, was NWB for 7 weeks and had my cast off last Monday. I have been walking around my house with crutches in a surgical shoe bearing only partial weight on my foot.

I set up a routine for myself, 2-3 times around my kitchen every 1-2 hours. I also started PT Thursday night and have range of motion exercises to do and I need to scrunch up a towel with my toes. (that one hurts a lot)

Here's my question, How much pain should I expect? My foot doesn't hurt that much when I walk on it or do the exercises but the past two nights it has been really sore at the sight of the fusion, swollen and warm to the touch. I iced it and took Aleve. That helped and it's only a little sore this morning. My husband said I'm doing too much and suggested I do nothing at all today...a day of rest, I guess.

Is this level of pain ok? Should I expect it to be this way? I know it's going to hurt, I just don't know whether to slow down or work through it. I'm going to take my husband's advice and call the PT on Monday but would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks, Tina

KarynLR · 10-02-2004, 08:42 AM

I think this is a very tough and personal call, and I would recommend calling the PT. It's hard to determine what is normal, "getting back to walking" pain, and what is over and above and should be looked it. I have a very difficult time inflicting pain on myself, so it was hard to get back into walking, and both my OS and PT understood. As my muscles got stronger, it made the transition to walking much easier, so you might try that. Many doctors (my OS did) take the restrictions and cast off and say "walk", but that, IMO, is unrealistic. When I walked into PT, my therapist said "well no wonder you can't walk, you have no muscle tone!" If it hurts, don't walk on it. Wait until you get more strength and flexibility, and ease into. Use aids when you are out and getting around, but in the house, try and walk on your own. There are some good posts about this in previous threads--look them up!

--Karyn

eko · 10-02-2004, 11:16 AM

Tina,

The point of fusion will hurt for awhile, it is like being broken but worse. Mine still bothers me from time to time, like yesterday when an cold front was coming through and it does not like it when I walk barefoot on hard surfaces.

Give it a short rest, ice and elevate it. Recovery does take awhile so be patient, it gets better in time.

Also, I was in a tennis shoe after 6 weeks, it provides more support and cushion than the surgical shoe, maybe that would help (I had to go bigger in size, so I didn't buy real expensive ones since they were transition shoes). I also found sometimes if I taped around the ball of my foot over the fusion, it felt better. I actually used what is called VetWrap, the stuff they use to wrap the legs of horses. It comes in a roll, it is thin, it is like an ace bandage but self adhesive and you don't have the sticky tape. I found it in the horse section of the store that carries hourse supplies.

Hope it feels better soon. -eko

atsim · 10-02-2004, 11:45 AM

Thanks, Karyn and Eko,

I agree, this is such a personal process but I appreciate your insights. It's interesting what you said Eko about the cold front. I'm in New York state and it's comming through today and my joint is aching.

I will check for the other thread Karyn, thanks...

as far as the shoes go...oh my, I already wear size 11 since all this problem with my toe! Maybe I can try my son's shoe if it's not too gross. I will also try the wrapping you suggest. I had the same sticky stuff around my bandage right after surgery. The drug store may have it. We don't have stores around here with a horse supply section

Eko, your doctor seemed to move faster than mine, about weight bearing and walking...I think the pressure for me is comming from myself...ah the lessons of foot surgery.

I'm takin it easy today...take care, Tina

eko · 10-02-2004, 12:51 PM

[QUOTE=atsim] The drug store may have it. We don't have stores around here with a horse supply section

What can I say, I live in the midwest. The drugstores usually do carry it, the VetWrap is usually less expensive and comes in colors.

You know, if it aches from the "cold front", try a little heat, soak it in warm water (give yourself a pedicure) or use moist heat.

You are right about my Dr. moving faster. I was never in a cast and only had two temporary pins holding the fusion in place. I was weight bearing immediately after surgery on my heal and the outside edge of my foot. When the pins came out at six weeks I was allowed to wear tennis shoes, but waked carefully and at 12 weeks I was fully released. Every Dr. has his own methodology.

Take care! -eko