Big toe fusion after bunion surgery, can I run again?

I had big toe fusion on May 27th so 7 weeks post now. I had

my 2nd check up on Wednesday just gone. I was told by my

surgeon that I could start wearing shoes but to still take care

and not over do things. I did try a sandal yesterday but

couldn't wear it for long so went back to wearing my surgical

shoe. Today I have been out walking for sometime.....surgical shoe.....and my foot has swollen but is manageable.

I was told to still elevate.....I did ask if it's ok to rest on my

knees to do some much needed weeding in thd garden but amnot allowed just yet as it will mean using the toes to stand up

right again...... Back in 6 weeks for another check up.

Hi your 4 weeks in front of me, I'm getting the vision as to how it's going to be. I am walking on my heel wearing the surgical shoe in the garden etc so not far at all, the surgeon said not to do much but am I being lazy? Seems like you have done the right thing to go back to your shoe and walk a bit further. Did you have yours done in the UK?

Hi Patricia

My recent operation was revised surgery after a double bunion

op was not done correctly back in 2014. Only right foot this time

left will be done at a later date.

you are certainly not being lazy..... my surgeon told me to still

take things easy..... I can drive when I can safely do an

emergency stop.....will practice on my driveway .

I can't kneel down to do things like weeding in the garden as I'm

not allowed to put weight/use the toes to help me get back up

again....... I've to go back in 6 weeks time for another check up.

yes.....I am in the UK......South East.

Do take things easy.....I think I over did things after my first op

this time when I came home from hospital I was only allowed to

do essential walking....bathroom and back....so I put my PJs on

and apart from having a wash I stayed in PJs and in bed until my1st check up. I think it has really helped with my recovery.

up

Hi Misskh

thank you for your prompt reply! Poor you having to have both feet redone, mine was revised surgery too but unlike you mine was 9 years later and only one foot.

The surgeon was very honest at the beginning and reiterated on the last appointment that the healing would take some time so we really shouldn't be rushing our rehabilitation! 

You have made me feel so much better about the resting and I will continue to do so. Until I had my stitches removed earlier this week I came downstairs every day having rested on my bed until about 2 then sat with my feet up! Now I am walking more outside but not every day then it's back to feet up when I get back indoors. 

I hope your recovery continues to improve, if we invest this time sensibly we will get the just reward later ;'.

Thank you...

I've been out again today..... Food shopping.... 1st time since

before my op. Hubby came with me and I drove there, it's only a

mile down the road but my main concern was not being able to

drive back if after walking around the shop the swelling became

to bad. Foot did ache a fair bit but I managed both ways ok.

Home to ice the foot. Not sure if I'm ready to make car journey's

regularly on my own and defiantly not ready for my daily walk I

took pre op......how I miss my walk..... but at least I'm giving my

foot the best chance of a full recovery. And yes my surgeon said

it was a long haul so I'm under no illustration.

ILLUSTRATION. ........predictive text.......I meant illusions.

Fabulous-I bet your delighted with yourself!

I too haven't been shopping but was hoping to give it a go this week. Now I've read what you did I will continue to leave the shopping in the capable hands of my husband until at least my 6 week appointment!

yes I'm like you, love to go for a walk. I did wear my Fitbit in the early days postop but it was too depressing to see the steps listed-anyway we have lots to look forward to and we will get back to it we just don't know when it will be!

Well done!

Hi

just wondering how you've been this last week. Are you able to walk further and for longer and what type of shoe are you able to wear?

i have my X-ray next week and hope all is well but dread the thought of putting anything other than this surgical shoe on my foot!

Hi Patricia

I Have been progressing.... Had a lovely day out yesterday with

a fair few steps taken. When I go out I wear a pair of my old

training shoes.... I've rearranged the lace on the right foot so

that it doesn't pull tight on my foot.....still take 1 crutch with me

as I feel a bit more secure having something to help me along

the way.

I drove to the local supermarket today....managed well.

I also go out with a friend a 2 days a week but as we walk quite

a bit she drives.

I do like to soak my feet in warm water with Epsom salts added

a few times a week.

sonetimes I can feel the metatarsal bones underfoot...will ask

the surgeon about that.

But on the whole the foot is looking much better.

Back to wearing my Fitbit but not pushing myself and haven't

done any of my pre op walks as of yet.

Hope your x-rays go well.... you'll be fine. Do let me know.

Are you in the UK?

I had bunionectomy with big toe fusion on June 24. The surgeon also put pins in the second and third toes, one of which "slipped" immediately and the other cause nerve damage, thus I have no feeling in the second toe, which may or may not ever return. My surgeon never explained anything to me or warn me of the long, slow recovery period. My foot is still very swollen and I think I'll hae to be walking on my heel only, in this post surgery shoe for months to come. I was very active before this operation and wonder when (and if) I'll ever be able to return to my previous activities. I would advise anyone contemplating this surgery to choose your orthopedic foot surgeon or podiatrist very, very carefully and only trust someone with over 20 years experience.  If I decide to have my right foot done, I would never return to the doctor that did my left foot.  I think a podiatrist with many years of experience is who I will trust next time around.  Good luck to you.

Oh dear Jenny......I do somewhat understand what you are going

through having had a double bunion operation in 2014 that was

not done correctly hence why I've just had revision surgery 8

weeks ago.

I will have to have my left foot redone at some point.

I really do feel that I've wasted so much of my time being laid up

because of botched up operations.

I'm fortunate that the revised surgery is being done by a good

surgeon.

I've got a draw full of bunion aids...none of which helped....Total

waste of money but I was desperate to find something to help

my feet.

I'm still suffering with swelling and discomfort but hope and pray

that the pain will eventually be a thing of the past..

Hi

i did reply yesterday but can't see it today!

Im delighted to read you are doing so well, it is good for all of us to read such positive comments! 

I live in the UK on the East Coast. I can't fault the care I have received and the dialogue I had with the consultant before I had the op made me understand that this op wasn't going to a quick recovery, which I believe as helped me so much.

I'm continuing to rest but also I do walk on my heel, I've never had crutches! When I wake up in the morning my foot looks and feels so good it's only when I put it down to put on my shoe I get a peculiar sensation which I don't understand, anyway it goes off when I walk.

I don't know if my old trainers will be suitable for me to wear they are so battered looking but we're just so comfortable before the op. I will certainly give it a try. When you say you can feel your bones when walking could it be that your trainer isn't padded enough?

All the best and I'll will let you know how I get on following Mondays appt!

Hi I had my big toe fused 21st June and so far so good

did rest almost all the time for first 4 weeks

 back for my 6 week check next week so fingers crossed

have only really started walking furthe since this last week was using a wheel chair for shopping too

 

Hi Jane

Are you in the Uk too? It's surprising how many of us have had this op but the rehab can be so different!

Good luck for next week and let us know how you get on!

Yes live in redditch just south of Birmingham 

people had only good things to say about my surgeon so was really happy with him

i know I could not believe how many people were on here and how different things can be 

did not read this till after my op so glad

i sat with my feet up for 2 weeks only going the loo and bed

and still sit with them up a lot even now

hope yours are ok 

 

Hi I have a pair osa deals with Velcro on so can adjust the tightness work really well so far

should read a pair of sandals 

Yours sounds like a success story, so far. good for you. I am nearly 6 weeks post op and nothing has improved and my foot is still VERY uncomfortable. I am worried about how I will walk normally with a fused toe joint.

Hi

I hope your doing well?

i had my 5weeks 4day appt on Monday and yippee all is well! Yesterday Tuesday, I couldn't believe it when I received a call from the hospital with an appt to see the physio and that was for yesterday afternoon. 

He has given me exercises to do 3/4 times daily which I've done this morning, I'm walking in my slippers because I have no footwear that will accommodate the swollen foot! Shoe shopping later! I have another appt for physio next week!

im pleased I was offered physio so quickly, it was quite scary putting my foot down and having the confidence to walk unaided after 6 weeks of rest and then walking on my heel.

to all of you who have taken this massive leap without physio, well done!

 

Hi glad all is well 

I have my 6 week appontment tomorrow 

am already seeng physic for my other foot where I had the bone shaved 

and will be seeing her again so already set in place 

my sandals have Velcro fastening and are wide fit Carvelle which I got from the bra tango shop so hoping I can wear those

also use a bunion cover to protect the scar and stop any rubbing at the moment 

nice to hear a good story 

Good to hear that all is on plan and you're doing well. I haven't

been offered any Physio..... would be nice to have some

professional help with what I should/n't be doing....

I've upped my walking over the last few days but must confess

my feet have ached so much that I've been kept awake at night.

Was so bad in the early hours of this morning I eventually took

some pain killers at 2.30am and managed to doze off for a few

hours....This is where having Physiotherapy would help.... I'm

sure my gait is all wrong..... Maybe I'll mention it at my next

check up.

Good luck with your recovery......

Did your surgeon not offer you physio at all 

Thank you

I'm so sorry to hear that your having some problems when you seemed to be doing so well.

perhaps you could call your surgeons secretary for advice instead of waiting for your appt, you don't want to lose any time in getting it sorted! The way the physio told me how to walk was certainly not the way I'd have done it that's for sure, and that's only one point that has helped

next on my list is driving but I'm not in a rush

Thanks Jane

I got some sandals this afternoon- not what I would normally wear but they are so comfortable-3 lots of Velcro fasteners so should be fine for when my foot changes shape throughout the  day due to swelling.

 

All the best for tomorrow

Glad to hear that

Thank goodness for velcro

And thanks will let you know how I get on

Hi how are you, did you manage to get some physio and have your symptoms settled down? I do hope so!

Sorry Jane I've only just seen this.

No offers of Physio as of yet.

Hi Patricia.... I haven't had my 12 week check up yet.... So

haven't seen the surgeon again... infact I called the hospital as I

hadn't received a date for the check. They had one available this

Wednesday but it was a bit short notice for Hubby to take time

off of work.....Next available appointment is on September 28th

which I'm happy with...... So I'll ask about physio then.... Not sure what they will do though as I thought most Physio was to help

with ROM in the big toe......

Although yesterday my big toe became swollen, red and very

sore.... it's more around the nail itself...

very tender and painful when I touch it. I've soaked and iced my

foot and hopefully it'll settle do....

Hi Misskh Third time lucky with this response although I've just seen it today-no email to let me know you had responded!!1

i hope your toe is well again and didn't give you too much to worry about

im doing fine still seeing physio and continuing with the exercises see the consultant on 19th sept

my foot remains swollen even when I get up in the morning so will try elevating it tonight like I used to 

take care

 

Hi Misskh

i hope you are well and that all goes well at your appt this week.

i was discharged by my surgeon last week after a repeat X-ray I was three months post op. I have no restrictions and even went for a ride on my bike last week.

i think the main thing reading through all the comments is to choose a  competent surgeon, listen to their advice and adhere to it. For me it was the time I was expected to rest and feeling lazy, through your advice I did just that, thank you!

Hello Patricia...

How lovely of you to remember.

Good to hear that all has gone well for you.

As you say listening to the advice of our Surgeon really is paramount to our healing...even if at the time we thought we'd lose our minds to the boredom...

My check up is on Wednesday and hopefully all is has gone according to plan .. I do have a white patch showing on the end of my scar which if I try to bend my toe looks more prominent ... I'm hoping that it's scar tissue and not a screw head. Rather forgot to continue with the massaging once things improved so tissue may have built up.

I am pretty much back to taking a daily walk, big toe still feels odd as obviously the foot doesn't roll as it did.

All I need to ask is if I can use my toes to help me back up again if I kneel down...that's the one thing I was told not to do....it's a bit difficult trying to do certain jobs without kneeling on the ground or bending down ...having a decent weeding session in the garden or not being able to reach that one dish right at the back of a cupboard....This operation certainly made me realise how much you use your toes...

Also wonder if I'll find out any info on when my other foot will be operated on...I'm really hoping that doesn't have to have a plate...Lordy knows what I'll look like when I walk.

Hope your recovery goes from strength to strength...

Hi Misskh

i am so pleased you mentioned about your toe and getting up and down. I was horrified when the physio gave me exercises to bend my toes and in fact I didn't do them until he explained more fully. My toe does bend a little but not the range of movement I had before, I started by reaching up on the good foot and gently used the operated foot when coming down, don't think I'm explaining this well. I would be very interested in what your surgeon recommends as although I weed the garden etc I don't like to put to much pressure on the toe, hopefully no one is watching when I get up and down.

I do hope all went well at your appt,

Take care

Hi again Jane

That was the same as me into my second week of recovery but only started reading these posts after my op.gonna take everyone's advise and keep them up rite as much as possible going back on Wednesday for new bandages and to see how they are doing apart from the swelling I feel ok all the bruising has come out hopefully that a good sign I want to start physio as soon as possible. I'm a fairly active person and want to be up and about as soon as possible glad your doing well.just wish there was alot more people with success stories as I'm really worried now that things will not go well in the healing process.take care everyone.

I was like you didn't read them till after and was paranoid for my 6 week check but all was ok

It wasn't easy putting my feet up as am usuallt active too but it was well worth itjust take it slowly and things will be ok

Jane x

Let me know how you go on

Thankyou I will x

I'm 3 months post op from complicated surgery of a severe bunion and cross over toes on my left foot. The big toe joint was fused, screws inserted and pins in the second and third toes. I was told I could walk on my heel immediately, which I think was very bad advice. I am now seeing a physical therapist who seems to know more than my surgeon does and he's been a big help. I'm learning strenghtening and balance exercises and how to care for my foot. I also bought a pair of tennis shoes (Altra is the brand) with a stiff sole and curved toe (metatarsal toe rocker).  I'm able to walk around the house and to the store for a few hours a day, before my foot swells up. I'm still keeping it elevated as much as possible and wear "toe spacers" 24/7, to keep the toes separated while the foot is healing. I also have a severe bunion on my other foot, but if/when I decided to do something about it, I will go to a podiatrist, who specializes only in feet, and who is more conservative than an orthopedic surgeon. And, if a big toe fusion is indicated, I would make sure the toe is fused upwards, to enable me to run, dance, and even walk down stairs, which I don't know if I'll ever be able to do again. Good luck with your recovery!!

Hi, i am about to have revision surgery following a bodged bunion surgery, my big toe now has to be fused because the joints were put in the wrong place during the bunion surgery.  I am a bit nervous that it is going to make it worse.  I am in the UK too.  Has your foot pain now subsided?

Hi Marina... sorry for late reply my new phone sends messages in different directions and I'm not on the ball with it just yet...

I'm now just over 5 months and doing really well... and although it still feels strange on the big toe sometimes, as in my big toe not "rolling" when I move it I can walk for miles/hours.

I still get a bit swollen and feel the odd discomfort but it's only caused by being on my feet for long periods of time. Once given the all clear at 12 weeks I began to walk more each day....did put some weight on which needs to go... catch 22 really the more I use my foot the better it gets.

The only thing I've noticed, infact on Wednesday night..... was an odd pain in my toe and I'm pretty sure it was because the weather had turned so cold very quickly and poor tootsie didn't like the metalwork... Once warmed it was ok...

I'm really pleased with the results and am on the list for my left foot to have revised surgery....

Do make sure that you rest for the first 2 weeks.... probably wasn't as good as I should have been after first op, not that it would have made any difference as it was a botched op.

After my surgery the second time I came home from hospital the day after op and put my PJ'S on and....bar showering/changing ... I stayed in them until my 2 week Check up.

Do you know when you're having your surgery?

Hi Jane

As promised I'm letting you no how I'm getting on.well 7 weeks today into my recovery of both bunions shaved and big toes screwed didn't make it back to work yet have another 3 weeks but I'm walking on them now and again still swell up alotand caught an infection in my left foot which painful.but the worst is over now.should be in normal in next few weeks.they look fine too.how about yourself?