after bunionectomy, toe really stiff - Foot Problems Message Board

kalalu · 09-25-2006, 09:59 AM

i've been out of my cast (in it 6 wks.) for almost two weeks and in my velcro boot since then. my toe is still very stiff and i have seen little to no improvement even with the exercises. i am on my foot a lot since starting back to school and working an internship. has anyone else had problems with stiffness like this? also my calf muscle is very tight. thanks folks!

wakkochic17 · 09-25-2006, 11:17 AM

hey.. I didn't have a cast.. but that may be why your calf hurts. I had a lot of stiffness in my toe.. I think it took me more than 6 months or so to finally be able to stand somewhat up on my toes. It was 3 months before I started seeing results of it finally loosening up. Don't give up and keep up with the exercises.

Kristing · 10-04-2006, 10:54 AM

I had a bunionectomy in December of 2005 and after moving from the cast to the walking shoe (4 weeks), my big toe appeared to be raised and was definitely very stiff. I asked my doctor if this would go away and he said that I should physically (gently) push my big toe back and forth in order to stretch it out. He said that the pressure should be firm and to the point of where it almost hurts. I did this about 3-4 times per day and I was soon able to wiggle my toe with more mobility. After about 3 months, he suggested trying to stand on my toes while holding onto something and this also helped to bring strength back to my toe. I had two internal screws and these were the recommendations my doctor made for me. Good luck

quiltie · 10-04-2006, 12:20 PM

When you are out of your boot, the doc may prescribe physical therapy for you. That helps both foot and ankle. Or you could see a therapist on your own. But you should work to pull your toe out and wiggle it up and down, even if it hurts. (Check with doctor first!)

My first foot was fixed just a year ago, and the only thing not "perfect" about it is that my toe doesn't go down as far as it should. However, it doesn't bother me or hinder walking at all.

I am sitting here just 2 days after surgery on second bunion, doing just fine and with almost no pain.