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Fusion surgery after bunion surgery

Posted , 4 users are following.

pauline54858
pauline54858

Hello,

​6 months ago I had double bunion surgery I am having alot of trouble walking and can not get foot flat on ground. So becasue of this I am walking on the outersides of my feet which causes alot of discomfort. I have been to the podartrist and he said orthoctics may work or I may need a fusion.

​I am due to see my surgeon in a few days but just wanted to know if anyone else has had this problem and what did you do about it?

​Also has anyone had a fusion after a bunion operation.

Thank you

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jacckie62169
    jacckie62169 pauline54858

    Posted

    Hi Pauline

    I am 7 months on from a double bunion op but at about 5 months I was a bit like you. I forced myself to walk flat by going barefoot around the house so I could feel as I walked - I just kept doing it and the same up and down stairs, eventually I am walking better.  I have had a fusion of the big toe only on one foot which is still odd and wont go flat on the floor but I am due to have my screw out soon so I am hoping this will sort my walking out once and for all. Good luck. Jackie

    • pauline54858
      pauline54858 jacckie62169

      Posted

      Hi Jackie. I have tried walking barefoot around the house it does not help at all, My bedroom is upstairs and coming down the steps is a big issue. I dont know what will happen next. Did u have a fusion after your bunion operation? What do they do with a fusion?
    • jacckie62169
      jacckie62169 pauline54858

      Posted

      Hi

      No I had the fusion done at the same time, I'm not sure whats involved (I'm sure we could google it!). My bedroom is upstairs too and it is an issue getting up and downstairs but I have noticed that very gradually I am getting better at it ie carrying the washing up and down at the same time without having to hang on to the bannister rails like mad! I just think it takes a long time to get over these operations and everyone is different. Keep me updated after your surgeon visit, I am going tomorrow to see mine. x

    • pauline54858
      pauline54858 jacckie62169

      Posted

      ok thanks Jackie I do think something needs to be done as my big toe is also driffitng back towards the others. Its taking over my whole life driving and walking are real issues. I am in Tasmania Australia by the way and I am 47 years old with 4 grown up children My husband has been great helping me with everything but I have had enough. As i am walking on the sides of my feet it causing alot of pain around that area its worse than it was before I understand it takes time but i am in discomfort all the time.I hope yours goes well tomorrow.
  • mar76640
    mar76640 pauline54858

    Posted

    Hi Pauline,

    I would recommend that you try not to walk on the outside of your feet because that will cause other problems with your gait. Your legs and hip area will have to adjust to your new form of walking. If you had surgery 6 months ago and still have discomfort maybe get another opinion before the fusion. If you have fusion you will have reduced joint mobility. I had the right foot done and then had the second foot done within 6 months and recovered with no problems. Though, I worried when it would start hurting. I am glad things went very well.

    My surgeon did give me orthotics after surgery. I did not realize how much my feet needed them until I had them. It was amazing. I wear the orthotics everyday.

    My gait was completely off before. With orthotics my foot is aligned properly and that aligned my hips too.

    I did have one surgeon recommend fusion because he said the bones will stay in place more so than other types of surgery. Because I love being outdoors I did not want to lose the joint mobility so I got another opinion from another surgeon.

    So basically fusion: joint will not move   without fusion: joint moves

    Had I decided on doing fusion it would have been done during the surgery. If it is done later it is because the toe went back to the way it was so the surgeons want it to stay in place. It is then they recommend fusion (second surgery)

     

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