bunionectomy/ screws removed?? - Foot Problems Message Board

nowgimpy · 07-15-2003, 08:42 AM

Hello,
I am four months post-op and am wondering if my foot will ever feel like my own again.
My left foot had an Akin Bunionectomy, with two screws permanently left in place. I can feel them, although they are not causing much pain. It feels odd, strange, like a foreign object left in the foot would feel.
Has anyone had theirs removed for this reason.
Thanks.

crankyc · 07-15-2003, 12:02 PM

Hi, nowgimpy,
I had a Lapidus bunionectomy on my right foot 6/3. This involved cutting and repositioning the 1st metatarsal bone and placing 2 permanent titanium screws. I really don't feel anything unusual in that area (the top of my foot toward the front/middle). I do feel a tight "rubber band" sensation at the base of the 2nd toe where I had hammertoe correction with external pin (removed at 3 weeks). I have been instructed to do toe stretching exercises for the big toe which was straightened as well, so there isn't much of that rubber-band feeling there. I'm not sure what an Akin procedure is, but I know that there are many different types of surgery to correct bunion/hammertoe deformities. Check with your Dr. regarding exercises. They hurt in the beginning, but really help regain range-of-motion after surgery, and might help you deal with strange, foreign-object feelings as well.
Chris

tigger84 · 07-15-2003, 12:03 PM

Sounds like you need to have that checked out.

To my understanding, you shouldn't be feeling the screws.

My hair stylist has a permanent screw from foot surgery due to an automobile accident she was in 20 years ago. She says she doesn't even know its there except in the winter time due to coldness.

I have not personally dealt with screws as I have pins that will come out.

nowgimpy · 07-16-2003, 08:19 PM

Thanks Crankyc-
The procedure involved an incision along the side of the left foot from the base of the toe to the arch of the foot. The scar is on the side of the foot.
Each morning when I get out of bed I step on this foot that feels foreign to me. I have range of motion thanks to countless hours of stretching and cranking the toe(as my son called it). But I feel broken, something I feared would be the result if I had the surgery. Now, I have pain in the other bunion and wonder if I will ever have normal feeling feet again.
I am an active 35 year old who runs, weight trains and swims.
Hate to complain, but...
Anyway, thanks for the input.
Best of luck to you!

PMCW58 · 07-16-2003, 10:36 PM

I can't imagine that they could be removed? I had a screw put in with my surgery and I can't say that I "feel" anything. My foot still feels a bit "weird" too but I think it's still a bit swollen and stiff. Maybe you need some physical therapy? Ask your dr. Good luck-
PMCW58
2 months post-op on left foot bunionectomy