Bunion swelling at 5 months
Posted , 7 users are following.
I had both feet done 5 months ago and was just wondering is it still normal to have swelling or I should say puffiness at the joints where the operation was done. It just seems to be in that particular area and not on the toes or feet. Can anyone tell me if they have experienced the same thing, I am aware that it can take up to a year to fully recover but hoping that they will not stay like that although the surgeon did reassure me that it would go down but I still need to ask. Thanks.
1 like, 25 replies
Serendipitous_Sid
Posted
gillian14549
Posted
Good luck.
annthefoot
Posted
thanks for your info.. very interesting to read.
I am in my post op 6th week now. having wires out of 2nd and 4th toes on thursday this week. hopefully that will make things easier! I know we all heal differently, and a few people have said that they are still not wearing 'normal' shoes after 3 months.. my swelling has almost gone, just my big toe is still a bit chubby!
I am having occasional sharp hot pains in my 2nd toe (was hammertoe) and it does feel floppy and not attached... I can put weight on my foot but I have been very careful not to bend my toes. I can wiggle them (apart from the wired ones) with no pain.
I just wanted to say to anyone who is just about or just had multiple toes done... REST... as much as you can. keep it elevated, make sure you are not allergic to the elastaplast strapping (as I was!) this caused my foot to get too hot and swell to the point that I was almost screaming! this also set off an infection where pus was coming out of the wire on 4th toe. at 3 wks I only had a thin surgical sock on, which I left off when resting. this helped my foot to 'dry' out. At 4wks all the scabs had come off and a healthy pink scar replaced them. at night I strap my foot up with a cotton bandage, first putting cotton wool in between my big toe and threading the bandage around my big toe to keep it in line and straight. then a sock over it to stop me catching the wires on the duvet.
The first 3weeks I slept on our settee, mainly because it was the best way to elevate it, and there was no chance of my husband kicking it! also I didn't sleep too well so could watch the TV!
Make sure you have the essentials by your side.. phone, flask of tea, food, remote, mags, painkillers and water, fleece cover, pillow, lamp, bucket! and plenty of chocolate! I also used our old doorbell to summon my husband because he works at opposite end of house. oh and your crutches and special shoe at hand
Hope that helps anyone who is about to take the journey...
Ann the Foot.
Rainey123
Posted
carol78187
Posted
annthefoot
Posted
I have been 'washing' mine with 'Simple' cleansing wipes (not allowed to get wet yet)
and applying Benet's Balm which is a pure beeswax, olive oil and Friars Balsam bought from Buckfast Abbey. I have found that it is soothing and seems to have reduced the bruising and swelling. It is also pure enough to put directly on the fresh scars. I've also used a natural herbal anti-flamme cream that contains arnica, calendula and peppermint. But I don't use this on the scars.
I am sat on settee at mo with my foot bare apart from the balm, with cotton wool balls in between my big toe and the 2nd/3rd toes. I find this keeps my big toe straight.
As you can see from my profile photo which was taken this Saturday, my big toe is still swollen, and gets bigger as the day goes on.
Ann.
carol78187
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annthefoot
Posted
I have rung the Hosp last Friday and spoke to the 'nurse' in charge. She told me to elevate it, which I am doing. I have my 6 WK xray and check this Thursday with my surgeon, so not long to wait now. I think they are removing the 2 wires too. They have been very helpful at the Hosp and I have rung them often for reassurance.
As you said at the end of your message...
may we all walk pain free someday soon!
Ann.
annthefoot
Posted
I was on settee with blanket over my feet, and I got up to get some chocolate, the hook bit on the wire must have got caught and it just pulled straight out! didn't feel a thing...
oh well, one out.. one to go..
They are due out on Thursday anyway. I'll ring the Hosp in the morning.
Ann
carol78187
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annthefoot
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I live near Dartmoor, Devon, UK. 16 miles from the hospital where I had the op.
I read your old messages and see that you are only 2 weeks post op. Don't try to do too much too soon. My foot seemed to be pain free at one point and I thought ' oh this is gonna be easy' and then as the nerves woke up I was in a lot of discomfort. so take it easy... and eat chocolate!!!
I'll let you know how I get on at the Hosp tomorrow.
Ann
Rainey123
Posted
annthefoot
Posted
Are you in the UK?
I got the balm from Buckfast Abbey... The 'monks' shop. I found it really soothing.
Done too much today, so I am now on settee with foot up. Keeping my other wire well away from my blanket! Don't want that one to come out too..want something for them to do at the Hosp tomorrow!
Take care.
Ann.
Rainey123
Posted
Yes I do live in London, UK but I will have a look on the Internet to see if it is available to buy, thanks for the info..
Good luck for today by the way, hope all is progressing well and keep us posted.
Take care Rainey
annthefoot
Posted
So I am on settee with a very sore and throbbing toe, it feels horrid and wobbly. The surgeon says it will feel strange for a while, but should tighten up a bit as it carries on healing. I've been told to put tape around front and stick to sole of foot to stretch the toe flat as the scar will tighten up and pull the toe up if I don't do this while it heals. I've been told to start walking in shoes but to stop if it hurts, and to rest it as much as possible. I have bought a pair of children's school shoes with the Velcro straps...easier to get on.
Surgeon says he's happy with the healing, but we were both a bit concerned about a small boney lump on the side of my 4th toe. So I have another appointment in 7wks for Xray.
Well.. another 'step' along the journey...
Still using one crutch though for a while, just in case I step on uneven ground....ouch!
Ann the Foot...