into a rocker boot - Foot Problems Message Board

debbie g · 12-22-2006, 04:06 PM

my cast came off yesterday from toe fusion surgery and a bone spur removed from the top of my foot. no more crutches! x ray looks fine, but i am experiencing pain in my ankle. they said because i havent had any weight on my foot for 8 weeks. does anyone find it hard to walk in the boot and doesnt it feel heavy on your foot? i posted before- my family left for vacation today and my husband wants me to meet them there next week. he saw me walk in the boot and is still making me feel guilty for not traveling. my dr still says no to going. this would be a flight from chicago to aspen where it is full of snow and ice. i dont know what to do. debbie g

carol1225 · 12-23-2006, 07:17 AM

Hi Debbie
After having major ankle surgery and in a fiberglass cast for 7 weeks, I was finally put into a rocker boot... at first my foot wouldn't even go into position to allow me to stand, not that I could if I even wanted to. The pain was off the charts. I found the boot to be terribly uncomfortable as well as heavy, I actually one day put it on the other foot to see how it would work and while it felt wonderful on that foot, the injured ankle didn't take to it at all. I didn't start pressure on the ankle until about the 9th week and in the late 10th week I took steps, I am now at 3 months and able to walk in the boot for short distances. Take your time, foot surgery of any kind takes time to heal, remember your ankle is absorbing up to 5x your body weight with each step so its no wonder its taking protest to having you walk. It will get better with time, believe me... I thought for sure I would never walk normal again and this is the best gift I could have received this year! Now to wear shoes is a whole nother story! hahah
Take care and be patient. About flying, that is up to you.... think about it, are you able? Will it be safe with snow and ice? Is it worth risking damage to your foot? I had to bail on Thanksgiving with family as I couldn't take the trip and I am still getting the attitude but honestly, its my foot and I am not about to have another ankle surgery, this one was enough for me!
Wishing you the best and happy holidays!
Carol

debbie g · 12-23-2006, 08:26 AM

thank you carol. you made me feel better. debbie

RightFootMary · 12-23-2006, 12:20 PM

Hi Debbie - my dr gave me the rocker boot 2 weeks after my bunionectomy and I still couldn't walk without the crutches (and yes it is extremely heavy). I was totally off balance. Then all of a sudden at 7 1/2 weeks I could walk without the crutches and in the boot. I don't know whether my leg got stronger, I got more balance or my foot was just ready. Then at 8 weeks he told me I could go into sneakers - that took a couple days of adjustment (the first time I actually stood on the foot felt wierd). I actually put the sneaker on - drove to the mall - changed to the boot - walked the mall for 2 hours - put the sneaker back on and drove home!! LOL. Now at 9+ weeks I can keep the sneaker on all day but my foot tells me when it has had enough. I also found I can't walk on uneven ground - only solid asphalt, concrete, wood, etc. I would really be afraid of slipping an falling in ice and snow.

I live in NY and I'm so glad we are not having a white Christmas as much as I like it I want more stability in my foot before the snow flies!

I know it must be disappointing to not make the trip. That's a hard decision to make. Good luck with your healing.

Mary

debbie g · 12-23-2006, 06:28 PM

hi my foot is so swollen after the cast and into the boot. the dr told me it would swell more, but it looks like i have some kind of disease. he told me to try to put on sneakers, but that is a joke. i have been soaking in ice water, but to no avail. what else can i do?