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Toe separators after surgery???

Posted , 14 users are following.

jazzym05353
jazzym05353

Hi guys,

Hope you're all well. I just wanted to know if anyone of you are wearing toe separators after surgery. If you are I just wanted to know how long after surgery did you start wearing them. I'm a little concerned about my big toes straying towards the others. I also still have small bumps where my original bunions were. I'm hoping that's due to swelling but not quite sure. I don't see the nurse or doctor till the 7th November yet and feel I need to ask a lot of questions still.rolleyes

1 like, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • lindleyk
    lindleyk jazzym05353

    Posted

    My doctor deliberately made the curve of my great toe joint less than perfectly straight, but then told me to wear a gel toe separator for 6 months.  *shrug*
    • lindleyk
      lindleyk jazzym05353

      Posted

      It definitely has made a difference.  The space between the great and second toe is now (at 3 months) pretty clearly established.  Before there was a greater curve than I thought was good.  I barely notice the gel toe spacer.  I used to wear them before the surgery anyhow so I already had a bunch on hand of various sizes.  
  • lizmw
    lizmw jazzym05353

    Posted

    I don't have separaters but was given a flexible splint at 2 weeks  that keeps my toe fairly straight --I find it quite uncomfortable. Both my toes are still tending to stray over but are still much better than before.
    • jazzym05353
      jazzym05353 lizmw

      Posted

      Thanks

      Even if I am given separators or splints to wear I can see my toes straying over too. But as long as they don't hurt like before I don't think I should really complain

  • lefty_Canuck_6
    lefty_Canuck_6 jazzym05353

    Posted

    Yes, I was told by my surgeon to wear a toe separator between my big and second toes from week 6 when the pin came out + for another 6 weeks.

    I notice that without the separator my toes migrate together within seconds. Surgeon explained that while the bone has healed, the soft tissues (ligaments etc.) take a lot longer and he wants a spacer while they heal.

    I also have a small bump (nothing like before) but surgeon said it will decrease as swelling decreases. Still, wayyy better than pre-op.

    • jazzym05353
      jazzym05353 lefty_Canuck_6

      Posted

      Thanks

      yes I think mine might be due to swelling too a little bit but the rest I think is just the way my foot and bones are shapedsadDid the separators help you with the straightening of your toes?

  • lefty_Canuck_6
    lefty_Canuck_6 jazzym05353

    Posted

    The surgery and separator just corrected my bunion/straightened the alignment of my big toe - the other toes weren't a problem, thankfully.  The surgery made a tremendous difference - thinking the separator will keep the ligaments etc. in the right alignment as they readjust..?  No idea!  Wish I had medical training ;-)

     

  • sheila_27698
    sheila_27698 jazzym05353

    Posted

    Hi everyone

    I am day 16 post surgery and had stitches out yesterday. I had surgery in k foot 20 yrs ago with excellent result it took a full yr before swelling settled down properly. I had pins which were removed at 6 weeks. I have concerns abt this second op. My big toe is curving in and i have been given a bunion brace. I was told this will straighten out but am not convinced. My l foot was straight immediately. The dressing post op was tight. I do have some swelling under ball of foot and it may be that this is affecting angle of toe. And other toes that were operated on are still v swollen. Foot looked a bit odd but surgeons did not seem concerned. I go back in a month to have pin out of second toe. Please keep me posted with yr recovery.

    • cynthia31960
      cynthia31960 sheila_27698

      Posted

      Hi Sheila,

      How is it now after a year? Did the toe straighten after the swelling was gone?

    • jasmine00386
      jasmine00386 sheila_27698

      Posted

      hi there, i understand this was way over a year ago now, but i have some questions id love to ask you. i am 14 years old and am currently 14weeks post op. i had a double bunionectomy, which was keyhole surgery and i now have 3 screws in both big toes. my feet are still very swollen and tender. they dont hurt as much when i walk, but more so afterwards. im wondering when is a sensible time to get back to excersice? (i am doing GCSE PE), i dont want to rush back into it but id love your advice. also, do you have any great tips for me, things that you found really helpful? thank you
  • Aimeekate
    Aimeekate jazzym05353

    Posted

    hiya I have not been given toe separators I've had bandage n wodding between my toes n thts keput my toe where it shud be
    • jazzym05353
      jazzym05353 Aimeekate

      Posted

      Well that's good to hear because il be 4 weeks post op on Friday and not been given anything to wear yet. Trying not to worry but I am because my toes really do look like they're straying towards the others and after all we go through you just want a good result. Hoping they give me something to wear or some kind of positive feedback on Fridayrolleyes
    • sheila_27698
      sheila_27698 jazzym05353

      Posted

      Hi jazzy

      The bunion splint i have been given is having good effect on keeping my big tie straighter. The curve at two weeks was very pronounced and I had obvious bump at site of bunion. I had a lot of work done on my foot all but one toe was operated on. at 3 weeks I really see a difference and have posted some pics to show. On a dif thread. My 4th toe still looks funny but I think as i heal and use my foot this will improve. My l foot took a full 12 months to heal nd during that time I saw good aesthetic improvement.

      The bump has gone as swelling has decreased but big toe starting to look more natural. I now think the bump was the tissue in a shape where my bunion used to be. I do have alot if healing to do my scars are scabbed and my foot is dry. I am a nurse and have read many diff articles on post op care and it seems some surgeons prefer to start the brace at 6 weeks to 12 weeks as it is the tissue they wish to realign rather than the bunion repair as this is pinned into position. Some start physio at 4 weeks others not till 6 weeks. Some let you wiggle toes from day one others prefer u t wait till after 6 week xray check. I spoke to my surgeon on the phone and felt very reassured I think you need to speak honestly about yr concerns a good surgeon will give u the correct advice for their procedure.

      Keep in touch we all heal at diff rates and it depends on procedure. I am thinking of you x

    • jazzym05353
      jazzym05353 sheila_27698

      Posted

      Hi Sheila,

      Thanks ever so much for your positive feedback. That already makes me feel better. Will keep you posted. lol

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