CAM walker/walking boot and 1st mtp fusion - Foot Problems Message Board

lizzy21 · 07-10-2006, 05:53 PM

Hi everyone!
I was just wondering if any one else who had a 1st MTP fusion and had to use the cam walker and walk with their foot to the side, had some discomfort when sitting down while wearing the cam walker? I am fine when I am walking, but when I am just sitting down with it on (i.e. driving) it is so uncomfortable for my toe. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

Liz

eko · 07-10-2006, 06:50 PM

Liz, not sure what your CAM walker looks like, but if it was like mine, try playing the tightness of the straps closest to your toes. You don't want it too loose, but maybe you have just a bit too snug through there right now.

Good Luck! -eko

lizzy21 · 07-10-2006, 07:18 PM

Eko-
Hi! My CAM walker, goes almost all the way up to my knee and it has one strap that goes over the toes, two that cris-cross across my ankle and three that go up my calf. I leave the strap across my toes pretty loose because it makes my toe so uncomfortable. It makes the bottom part of my toe the most uncomfortable. Did you have experience that?

Thanks

Liz

janieab · 07-10-2006, 07:31 PM

Hi Lizzy,
My cam walker is considered a short boot (I used it for my November surgery). It goes 1/2 way up my leg (mid calf). I have 2 straps that go across the top of my foot and 2 straps on the calf part. No crisscrosses.
My fused big toe sits up high and my 2nd and 3rd toes are exagerated in a position that sits much lower than all of my toes. This makes the big toe sit much higher until all pins are removed. When I first wore my cam boot it hurt like the dickens. Now 7 weeks out it doesn't bother me as much. I only wear my camboot the minute I exit the house. I don't wear it in the house (just use my crutches or desk chair). The boot makes my foot hot. The boot is heavy to keep up when using the crutches. I do use my foot to steady on my heel. When I get up in our boat I have to cheat even more by using my heel weight. Hopefully this doesn't compromise my healing?????????
My big toe throbs and feels like pressure all the time so even in the cam boot I feel the pressure.......Geez, talk about rambling!
Janie

lizzy21 · 07-10-2006, 07:47 PM

Hi Janie!

You aren't rambling at all! I feel the same way! Whenever I am at home, I don't wear the boot, b/c it isn't comfortable to sit in; it really hurts my toe. When I am walking and just applying pressure to my heal it doesn't hurt. The boot is really hot and a pain in the butt!

How is your recovery going? How far in are you? I am 5 1/2 weeks in so far and really wish I was already finished.

Liz