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Getting more active

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scraig1954
scraig1954

i am on day 16 and have been elevating foot as much as possible after scarf osteotomy . Stitches came out yesterday. At what point can I start moving about  keeping my foot down a bit more. Maybe going out for lunch or getting a mobility scooter in asda? Wound looks fine no sign of infection. I'm in a wedge boot till 6 weeks.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Jayniejay
    Jayniejay scraig1954

    Posted

    Glad to hear your wound looks good and no more stitches.

    I'd been told I could gradually increase the amount of being up and about. As I was unsure what gradual meant, I phoned the physio department and was told that I could increase by five minutes in the hour every two to three days but to cut back if it was too much. In practice, I found that my foot quickly told me if it was time to sit, so I probably did no more than two to five minutes or so several times an hour. I saw the consultant at 7 weeks and he said to walk no longer than 10 minutes at a time and to not stand for too long so I felt fine about the amount I'd been up til then, even though other people seem to do more ( but that was after having a pin removed, so your case could well be different). I think generally the advice would be to take it gently and slowly and keep elevating in between.

    As to getting out and about, apart from hospital visits I waited til about 3 weeks and started with a trip out to the supermarket, staying in the car while my other half did the shopping. What a treat! Then a few trips out for coffee, with an extra chair to keep the foot raised. The mobility scooter sounds like a great idea. I didn't get pushed around in a wheelchair until the week I was having the pin out and wish I'd done it much sooner as I found that, even with a heel-walking shoe, walking was tough work and very hard on the top side of the ankle. You can actually focus on your surroundings/shopping if you're being pushed instead of focusing your efforts on walking.

    Hope you enjoy having a bit more variety and seeing beyond the four walls.

     

    • scraig1954
      scraig1954 Jayniejay

      Posted

      Thanks jaynie, looking forward to getting out for some fresh air! Finding walking difficult with the heel walking shoe. I got a trainer with a thick sole for the other foot and it helps but my hip and back are aching after a wee while.  I'll be 3 weeks since op on Monday but I may sneak out this weekend for a while. Really missing the xmas buildup in the shops.
    • Jayniejay
      Jayniejay scraig1954

      Posted

      😀that will be a real treat! The heel-walking shoe is literally a pain to walk in and didn't do my ankle any favours. I don't think it's designed to do anything more than get you about for what is necessary. I think I'd have been better off doing more exercises to keep things flexible rather than pushing myself to do more than 10 minute walks with it on - that's quite a bit of weight (no, not being personal about my or anyone's actual weight!) to put on a heel and ankle with the ankle at an unnatural position. Hope this helps.
    • scraig1954
      scraig1954 Jayniejay

      Posted

      What op did you have? You mention having pin taken out. I have 2 pins which are staying in. Thinking recovery will be different depending which op.
    • Jayniejay
      Jayniejay scraig1954

      Posted

      Scarf and Akin for bunion with a screw that stays put. I had the second toe straightened (fused I think) and that's where the pin was. Can't remember if it's called a k-pin or k-wire, either way it protrudes from end of toe so definitely has to come out! Great relief when it was removed on Friday.
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