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Aching feet being less mobile after bunion op

Posted , 7 users are following.

Oxejess
Oxejess

Has anyone found it difficult to walk easily after being unable to walk far for a few months . Even the foot that hasn't had any surgery seems achy as soon as I walk for 20 mins . Walking just seems so hard now even though my bunion operated foot is doing well .

0 likes, 30 replies

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  • holly62151
    holly62151 Oxejess

    Posted

    Yes, I am 6 weeks post op and finally took baby steps this past monday. Unfortunately, I over did it yesterday and now feel miserable. Yes, my good foot also aches after walking just a little. I believe it's because I've been so inactive for the last 6 weeks... take a nice Epsom salt water bath and hang in there.
    • Oxejess
      Oxejess holly62151

      Posted

      I'm about 16 weeks now and I'm sure there is weekly improvement but it's almost insignificant I feel . The op and recovery was so much easier than I expected and I'm gutted this second phase is so hard . It's like having toothache in both feet/ legs after short walks and frustrating .

      I just didn't expect it to be so miserable after doing everything I was told and having second one done is now bothering me in case I become very immobile .

      Might have to pay for private physio maybe x good luck with your recovery but try to keep your legs exercised as much as possible x

    • holly62151
      holly62151 Oxejess

      Posted

      Thank you for your advice. I will hit the stationary bike today (with my boot on), as walking is causing too much pain. I also had my 2nd metatarsal bone shortened (2nd toe) due to a plantar plate rupture along with my bunionectomy (chevron-akin procedure). My recovery has been dreadful and my doctor finally agreed to physical therapy starting after week 8... I live in the USA and I've learned to not trust these doctors. They are not the know all be all and I am trying to keep positive....sorry you are having these troubles. My mom had a bunionectomy 15 years ago (doesn't remember the type) and she said it took 1 year to better.
    • Oxejess
      Oxejess holly62151

      Posted

      Good luck with your physio holly and let us know how you get on . Just knowing others are struggling to get movement back helps me in an odd way and it's just time I suppose . I'm now doubtful about other four being operated on as planned as I could end up totally immobile if this is anything to go by ! My op has been easy and straight forward but mobility recovery has really difficult but I suppose my optimistic outlook will eventually pull me through 😀 good luck x
  • fiona7662
    fiona7662 Oxejess

    Posted

    Yep there seems many of us struggling to walk normally even though the operated foot is healing well. It seems doctors should be telling us to have physio as soon as the boot comes off after 6 weeks post op. The joint is stiff and the swelling puts pressure on soft tissue and muscles in the foot. Because we are walking with a strange gait it puts pressure on all other parts of our body ie ankle hip and bank. You are not alone.
  • fiona7662
    fiona7662 Oxejess

    Posted

    I went to my GP as I was so worried re the slow healing process. He suggested using a walking stick when not at work if I was struggling with the pain and aching when walking plus ibuprofen gel on my swollen operated on foot. It has helped ..see if that helps anyone?
  • Kirkham
    Kirkham Oxejess

    Posted

    Hi

    i am thirteen weeks post bunionectomy and have screw and staples in my toe.  I felt great after operation and went back to my Zumba, yoga and walking after about 9 weeks.  However, the last few weeks I have found that if I walk more than ahalf a mile I start to limp.  My big toe is fine but it is the middle toes that really hurt.  The pain is really bad and causing me to limp which is now causing my knee and hip to hurt.

    i asked for Physio but there is a long waiting list and they don't seem to think you need it after a bunionectomy. 

    I know that it must be because I am not walking properly but it is difficult when I don't really know what I  am doing wrong.  I have gone back on the strong pain killers now. Although I only need them when I am walking.

    It is good to hear that it isn't just me.

    • fiona7662
      fiona7662 Kirkham

      Posted

      It's miserable isn't it and no you are not alone. Try a walking stick at times to give the foot a rest from weight bearing. Do gentle excersice by pushing your toes backwards and forwards. This has definitely helped me. I was going to pay for physio but seemed to have turned a corner thank goodness. When I have my next foot done I am definitely paying for private physio as soon as my 6 weeks special boot time is over.
  • sharon50199
    sharon50199 Oxejess

    Posted

    Hi Oxejess

    I have bunion surgery on 5 January this year. I recently started walking but with a slight limp. When I ahve been walking for a while my limp worsens.I still have swelling on the top of my foot and In the last few days I have experienced really bad pain on the foot that hasn't had surgery on the top of that foot also. What gives? Is it because of lack of movement. I wonder if I should have been offered physiotherapy. Have you?

    • Oxejess
      Oxejess sharon50199

      Posted

      I'm a week behind you and walk with a limp unless I concentrate very hard and walk really slow . No physio offered and my g p said the n h s wait is 18-20 weeks and I ll be better by then ! Fingers crossed he s right !

      I've stood most of today in the infant school where I work and my foot is now sore under neath and aches on the top . It also looks like a small balloon has been inflated where it's so swollen but life has to return to normal eventually and I'm just trying to work through the ache . I expected my op foot to be like this but hate the other leg/foot aching so much too and I've googled exercises for weak legs that I'm starting to do daily . It can only help x

    • sharon50199
      sharon50199 Oxejess

      Posted

      Like others have said glad we are not alone with our pàin. I will also try googling leg exercises take care
  • Kirkham
    Kirkham Oxejess

    Posted

    Hi Oxejess and Pauline

    i paid for private  physio this week and it was the best £40 I have parted with.  She watched me walk and we had a long chat about symptoms.  Then she massaged and manipulated my foot and gave me a list of exercises to do.  Apparently the muscles and tendons around my metatarsals had bunched up due to me trying not to put weight on my big toe and this is what was causing the pain.

    We went through the exercises together and I can do them when in the kitchen cooking holding on the units for support. Standing on my tip toes, stretching hamstrings, picking up a tissue and marbles with my toes etc.  etc

    She also told me to keep the scar really moisturised and showed me how to massage my foot so that I can separate my toes and isolate and release these tendons.  

    It was worth it because I am now pain free and walking 3 miles a day.  The pain in my knee and hi has gone and I feel much happier.

    • pauline19861
      pauline19861 Kirkham

      Posted

      That is great news. I tried to contact a private clinic twice but they never rang me back. I was lucky the waiting list for a NHS one at my surgery was very short. I am pleased with the progress I have made but I need to see a lot more. I will try the exercises you mentioned above and add them to my routine. Thank you for your advice. Good luck to you and well done 😀😀
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