Foot surgery and medication - Foot Problems Message Board

Katirina · 05-27-2007, 12:30 PM

Almost two months ago my husband had hammer toe surgery on one toe and on the little toe they had to cut his bone and fix it as it was growning out to the side and it had a mini bunion on that one also. When he went to the doctor after four weeks the doctor would not give him any more pain pills and told him to take Tylenol. He works 4-10 hr days and can put his foot up but he is still in a lot of pain. His foot swells as soon as he gets out of bed also. He puts his foot up at home and put ice on it and has recently started to massage it (the dr didn't tell him to do this). He had some vicodin for his carpal tunnel and takes that sometimes but not usually at work. I suggested he call the doctor's office and tell them he needs pain pills. Does anyone have any other suggestions as to what might help? I know a couple of other people who have had foot surgery and they both said it took them up to six months to feel relief. He uses hiking boots outside and at work. He does go out and do work around the house but no matter what he does he is in al lot of pain. Thanks for any suggestions.

debbie g · 05-27-2007, 02:33 PM

did your husband go for pt and if not would he be able to. pain pills are addicting and he should not have to use them after 2 months. i think advil would be good because it helps to take the swelling down. i also think he should go see the dr again to see what the real problem is.

Titchou · 05-27-2007, 02:38 PM

They don't like to give you pain meds that far out after surgery. He might try Aleve. Works well for me.

tchair · 05-29-2007, 02:45 AM

Katirina,

As you can see, asking for "pain pills" is not recommended. The issue is pain relief and that is what your husband should be seeking. First off is to see the doctor and give specifics about where the pain is, when it occurs, the level of pain and how it effects his quality of life and ability to function at work and at home. If the doc shows no inclination towards finding a resolution it is time for an opinion from another foot specialist. No good doctor will have qalms about getting other opinions.

There are times when pain lasts longer than in average outcomes, the term is chronic pain. Some docs will be diligent about the problem. Others will just 'wait and see'. They might just let the patient will just learn to live with it, or they might let them go off and make it another doctor's problem. If the problem continues with no efforts towards a solution, the next step should be a pain management center.

Alleviating the pain might be an issue of using the foot properly, not keeping it tensed, not favoring certain parts. Finding the right footwear or properly fitted orthotics could be an answer. Physical therapy might be applicable, would help validate that the problem exists and could help point towards the cause. There are many types of medication used for pain relief. Some are controlled substances and some of those are narcotics. The latter have the potential for addiction, abuse and diversion (as in being sold). Not everyone who takes them is involved in these activities, but the few who do have caused strong bias both in and out of the medical profession.

TC

lostmary · 05-29-2007, 06:31 AM

TC has good advice. I know how your hubby feels. My pod never had a problem prescribing pain meds any time I needed them. thank heavens he did. (I was paranoid about taking them, do I only took them when the pain was unbearable). It turns out that I developed RSD. that is pain that if way out of porpotion to what it should be. I'm now under the care of a pain management doctor. I did have to sign a contract with the PM doc. I have to take the meds as he said,,no more, no less. I'm soon going to get a spinal stimulator implanted to help the constant pain. You may want to ask his doc if this is something he may be developing. If so, the best results come within the first 3-6 months of onset.
Just a thought
Mary