bunion-physical therapy-question? - Foot Problems Message Board

paininthefoot · 07-11-2003, 10:43 AM

Hi everyone!
It's 4 months since my right toe (major) and one week since my left toe (major). Although my right toe looks good and swelling is almost down, I still have tremendous stiffness. As long as I am in tennis shoes I am OK, but even sandals hurt when I use my toe. Does anyone else still have this problem? I am going for my weekly checkup today (left toe) and am also going to have some more therapy on my right toe. (electrodes and therapy). I don't know if this is helping. Why can't I wear shoes comfortably eventhough things look good?
HELP!!!!

thelittleprincess · 07-11-2003, 11:27 AM

it's been over 4 months for my left foot and i still have stiffness, too. i can wear sneakers and flip flops. been hurting a bit more since my right foot surgery (06/05/03) due to the weight i have to bear on my left foot now. it may take up to 1 year for the internal scar tissue to break down - that's why you still get swelling in your feet. happens to me when i try to wear shoes other than sneakers and flip flops. don't know what to say to make it heal any faster - jsut wanted to let you know that it's not just you.

good luck.

paininthefoot · 07-11-2003, 09:37 PM

Thanks for the insight. It's so hard to believe it can take so long. I know it will all be worth it.

crankyc · 07-12-2003, 11:36 AM

Hi, all! Just thought I would ditto little princess' comments regarding stiffness post-bunionectomy. It is due to internal scar tissue buildup, and sometimes feels like there is a rubber band wrapped inside my foot. At last Dr. appt. this past Thurs., (week 5 post-surgery) I was given whirlpool massage, electrodes, heat therapy, and toe exercises. Everything felt delicious except the toe exercises. Dr. grabbed my big toe and pushed it as far forward as he could. Man, did that HURT! I let out a shriek and kicked out with my other foot. (If he was standing any closer he would be singing soprano now, if you catch my drift.) But he wants me to do that exercise, get this, 3x a day, pushing the toe forward and holding it there for a count of 10, TWELVE times. He was adamant about it, he said you have GOT to do this every day, to break up the scar tissue and get that range of motion back to normal. I've actually been able to do it twice a day, morning and night, and I do notice a slight improvement in the range of motion, but I haven't been able to apply quite as much force as he did. Better than nothing, I suppose. Hope this helps.
Chris

paininthefoot · 07-12-2003, 03:12 PM

Cranky C,

I am doing the exact same exercises. It does feel better all the time, but I think there's still a long way to go. I guess it's all normal. Now that I am off that foot more because I am just 1 week from my other foot there is absolutely no swelling. It's amazing. I am going to keep up the same exercises. OUCH!!!