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Post surgery splint --very uncomfortable.

Posted , 5 users are following.

lizmw
lizmw

Hell all

I had my surgery (Akin/Scarf osteomy) 2 weeks ago today. Both feet done at the same time. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of severe pain after the op and  was feeling very positive when I went back for stitches to be removed yesterday. The thick bandages were removed and now I just have plasters over the stitches which I am allowed to remove. I was advised to massage bio -oil into the scars. However I was also fitted with splints which I am finding very uncomfortable and at times eg when my feet are really swollen quite painful. I was told to wear them 24/7. I can't find any mention of this problem and wonder if most people have splints. Also has anyone found the swelling worse after the bandage has been removed --I think there was some kind of compression bandage next to my feet under all the layers and that that may have kept the swelling under control more. It certainly seems worse today. Still very early days i know but don't the days seem long when you can't be busy!!

2 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • simbacat
    simbacat lizmw

    Posted

    My foot hurt a little more after the bandage was off but it soon settles down, totally sympathise on the boredom of course...
  • michelle21223
    michelle21223 lizmw

    Posted

    I had a surgical shoe to wear 24/7. After I got my bandages removed at 2 weeks my foot seemed quite swollen for a few days too. Keep it up higher than your groin for as much as possible. I am 7 weeks post op now and still need to put my foot up whenever I am sitting down. It all gets a bit tight as it swells. The boredom has been the worst thing but the more your feet rest now the better chance they have of healing properly. 😄
    • lizmw
      lizmw michelle21223

      Posted

      Thanks michelle for your reply and to everyone else who replied.

      I am however now even more curious as no-one mentions being required to wear a splint. I am wondering if this is just something that my consultant does. It is so uncomfortable I am thinking of asking if it is really necessary but if it is standard practice everywhere then that may not be appropriate.

      It is a stretchy splint that fits onto the big toe and goes down the side of the foot then round the heel and over the top like a sandal strap. It is worn inside the Actimove shoe that the hospital provided.Does or did anyone else have to wear one and if so was it 24/7 or only part of the day.

    • simbacat
      simbacat lizmw

      Posted

      What kind of operation did you have? have you screws in the bone? I did and I have no splint
    • lizmw
      lizmw simbacat

      Posted

      Akin/Scarf osteomy and yes I do have screws.
    • simbacat
      simbacat lizmw

      Posted

      Hmm that's what I had, I thought it's the screws that hold everything in place not a splint. Why not call the surgery and ask, maybe its not essential
  • mark50243
    mark50243 lizmw

    Posted

    Hi Lizmw  I am Mark i had my surgery 3 days ago n yes the days seem so long its doing my head in to lol 

     

    • simbacat
      simbacat mark50243

      Posted

      How are you doing Mark? The first few days are the longest
  • mark50243
    mark50243 lizmw

    Posted

    Hi liz well the pain is not to bad its the boredom i am having probs with lol cant wat to see how my foot will look after the 2 weeks lol 
    • simbacat
      simbacat mark50243

      Posted

      yeah me too, the pain is easy, the boredom kills. I found that I could do some work from home after a few days, never thought I would be happy to work.
    • mark50243
      mark50243 simbacat

      Posted

      Yes its a killer lol but we will all get threw it lol
    • mark50243
      mark50243

      Posted

      well am 1 week post op pain still not to bad but foot looks like this lol 
  • sharon95449
    sharon95449 lizmw

    Posted

    Hello

    i had my op 12days ago on my left foot. The bandages came off on Thursday and have got a lot of pain when try to walk it feels like a clicking in my big toe. I had screws and a staple put in has anyone else had this procedure . Had my right foot done and no pain at all. Really worried

    • simbacat
      simbacat sharon95449

      Posted

      My foot hurt more when the bandage came off, I think its case its not supported any more. I've had screws not sure about the stable. I wouldn't worry too much it will probably settle down in a day or two. You can always call the surgery on Monday 
  • kathryn02630
    kathryn02630 lizmw

    Posted

    Hi Liz,

    I had both of mine done in early September and I have metalwork holding it all together too. I haven't seen my X-rays yet but hope to at my next appointment in November. My surgeon told me that my op was quite straightforward and went well. I didn't need to have any other toes shortened. My feet were in bandages for the first two weeks, which drove me mad as they kept slipping forward when I walked in the special shoes! After my stitches were sorted (only the looped ends were removed as the remaining stitches would dissolve in time) the nurse applied plasters to cover the wounds. I wasn't given a splint to wear, perhaps it depends on the procedure and the individual? I would check with your GP if you have any concerns at all. The pain has been manageable and I have been fortunate that the swelling has been moderate. I do keep my feet elevated as much as possible and only walk about when necessary. I also do my ankle exercises as advised by the physio in hospital. I have been using the Bio Oil too as my skin is quite dry, but Vaseline is good too. It is great too that showering isn't such a performance - I bought a shower seat and had my feet propped up outside the shower so that the bandages wouldn't get wet! I still use the seat as I am worried about standing without the shoes on. Has anyone been told when it is alright to do so? As for boredom, I don't allow myself to get bored, but goodness knows what I would be like without my iPad ;-D Good luck in your recovery everyone - soon be back tap dancing!

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