stiffness or problem? - Foot Problems Message Board

forevergimpy · 07-26-2008, 07:26 PM

I know to expect some stiffness due to immobility, but for the last few weeks I've been able to take my boot off several times a day and carefully move my foot and ankle around with very little discomfort and minimal stiffness. But for the last few days moving my foot at all without the boot is extremly uncomfortable. I'm hesitant to force it in case my body is trying to tell me to back off, but don't want to be a wimp either. It's like it started all of a sudden (both with and without swelling). Is it normal for stiffness to set in all at once like this after a certain amount of time?
I've also noticed that as I try to transition to walking without crutches my ankle has been very sore when walking (although surgery was to midfoot). Hmmm. I think that my worry of a problem comes from the fact that both of these things are happening right now, maybe they are just normal for recovery though. Any thoughts?

debbie g · 07-27-2008, 12:48 PM

were you supposed to be taking the boot off? like you said stiffness and swelling are normal. could it be that you stpped the crutches? you are not a wimp and do what your body tells you. maybe you should call the dr and tell him what is going on. maybe that will ease your mind.

dinkles · 07-27-2008, 01:51 PM

I had surgery on the bottom of the arch of my foot and was in the boot for weeks. I started weaning myself to shoes and ever since wearing shoes again notice that my toes hurt and my forefoot also hurts where it never used to. My pain in where my toes would bend if you are moving them upward. Have no clue as to why and plan on asking my doctor about it when I seen him Wednesday.

As for the ankle pain, how long were you in the boot. I did have some pain in my ankle and calf as I began transitioning from boot to shoe as when in the boot you are not using the muscles of the lower part of your leg when in the boot. The upper leg and the boot are doing all the work while lower limb stays immobile.

If the pain continues or worsens I would ask the doctor. Mine hasn't gotten any worse but no better either.

I too felt like a wimp but was told by the doctor that he gets calls with questions on a daily basis and no question is a stupid question. I hope your doctor feels the same. Go ahead and call to ease your mind and worrying. But, I would say it is all quite normal.

forevergimpy · 07-27-2008, 03:10 PM

Thanks ladies. I see the doc on Wednesday and I'll be sure to bring it up with him then. My os explained that my surgery actually re-sprained my ankle and that is what will take the longest to heal. He said that I was not to walk without the boot (which I haven't) but I could take it off to do some gentle ROM and shower. And since I had no hardware or bones fusing I could bear weight with the boot as soon as I could tolerate it. I am just surprised that it hasn't felt stiff at all until a few days ago. I think I over did it a bit yesterday and will take it easy for a few days and hope it helps.

footsiedee · 07-27-2008, 08:26 PM

i stepped off a curb onto side of foot, foot rolled and i think i pulled muscles all the way up the side of leg. i was off work two weeks from that, far more painful than my bunion surgery which involved a breaking the metatarsal bone. all you can do is rest that sprain and i assume ice as well. patience is difficult i know. good luck.