Pttd Post Po 4 Wks - Foot Problems Message Board

bren073 · 06-22-2008, 08:39 AM

Ok, 2 more weeks in cast, then boot. I want to try to work 3-4 hrs a day beginning the 30th I do office work and know I will have to elevate. Not having a lot of pain now. Just swelling when foot down. Any suggestions on going back to work? Also everyone say they had therapy. What type, what does it involve? And once you go to the boot can you put your foot in water? Looking for help

njvj · 06-22-2008, 04:53 PM

I am at week 8. The final cast comes off Tuesday and it goes to a boot. Then I can wash it. Thank Goodness. In any case, everyone has to do some therapy I think. They haven't told me how much therapy though. They did tell me that it will be a year before I am " right" again!

inflsrv · 06-22-2008, 07:03 PM

Hey had pttd surgery on left foot Sept. 23 2004 and my foot took the full 2 years to recover 100% exactly what the Dr. told me. That being said I am a flight attendant and went back to work on May 1, 2005 on my feet 14hr days it was tough but I managed. So when I say 2 years that is for pain free. I also will tell you my left foot is great even in flip flops. The bad new completely ruptured the right foot in march 2008 and had that tendon repaired on May 29, 2008 and I am in process of recovering, still NWB till 6 weeks and checkup. I was 2 weeks in cast and then cam boot but still NWB, although I am allowed to sleep without boot it goes on minute I wake up. Doc says I can weight bare at 6 weeks we will see how it goes. I never did any PT on left foot and it's fine guess everyone is different.

sunny77 · 06-23-2008, 09:28 PM

Bren073,
I've had surgery on both of my ankles/feet for PTTD and had somewhat different experiences for both. Once you go into the boot, you should be able to get your foot wet. The incisions will be healed enough at that point to not have to worry. It's good to use a gentle exfoliant/scrub on your foot to get rid of the dead skin. Lotioning your foot/leg is also a good plan since you've probably found how dry/flaky it is. But, the skin you'll have underneath all of that is like a baby's butt...very soft and sensitive. I remember how weird everything felt on my skin--the carpet, sheets, etc. Takes awhile to desensitize the skin.

Your dr will likely recommend physical therapy, though not all of them do. I did PT 3x/wk for the first 2-3 wks and then 2x/wk after that for a total of 24 sessions. I'm sure that number varies depending on your dr and how you are doing. I have exercises to do at home on a daily basis. Generally, you'll have some massage, stretching, range of motion exercises, work on balance, strength, maybe use heat or ice or other modalities.

As far as going back to work, it sounds like you'll be able to stay off of your feet some of the time at least. I would say to give yourself a chance to nap at home if you're tired after work...I tired pretty easily after working. If you can elevate your foot at work, that's great. I know my colleagues were aware of my need to put my foot up at times and didn't care. Just listen to your body and what you need.

Good luck!
Sunny

bren073 · 06-24-2008, 08:38 AM

Thanks, I think I will try working 3 hrs day next week. My ex supervisor passed and I went to visitation with co workers about 30 min. drive one way, that wore me out, my leg/foot was swollen, hip hurts (had to get in back seat of jeep) so I am a little tired today. Think trip was too long without foot being elevated. Will be making only short trips in the future.