1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

leg pain after bunion op?

Posted , 5 users are following.

angela43010
angela43010

Hi. I had a bilateral scarf and akin 7 days ago. I was back home after 12 hours and didn't really have the opportunity to ask questions. I've tried to keep feet elevated and I'm hobbling around with special shoes and crutches when necessary. I'm not overdoing it but I've got awful pain in my knees, calves and thighs. It's worse than the pain in my feet. Is this normal. It's still painful to walk. What am I doing wrong?

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure angela43010

    Posted

    UR not doing anything wrong... U may be getting cramps these issues r attributed to many new factors.

    keep a heating pad on sore muscles and ice them to keep the swelling dow. Ice packs work well at 20 minute intervals every 2 hrs. Anti inflam meds and if the pain gets worse of course call the dr.

     

  • deni444
    deni444 angela43010

    Posted

    Hi Angela

    I experienced this and I think it's the result of keeping your legs up and maybe keeping them tense.  Make sure you support your knees with a pillow underneath them and this should help them relax.  I found that getting up and making about 10 steps once an hour helped a lot.

     Hope you feel better soon.

    • angela43010
      angela43010 deni444

      Posted

      Thanks for the advice. I'll try that today. I feel a bit more positive knowing that someone else has had the same problem!
  • gillian14549
    gillian14549 angela43010

    Posted

    Hi Angela.

    All the symptoms you describe are totally normal.

    Reember that you are having to learn to walk in a way that you normally wouldn't and this will put added strain on the knees, calves and hips. I'm afraid that you must learn to accept this BUT what you must also do in order to lessen the added strain on these parts is to keep off your feet as much as possible as this will aso help keep the swelling on your feet down as much as possible. It's not easy I do know. And I had quite severe pain in the legs and hips when I was wearing the special heel wedge and having to use crutches. The walking method is that of a very stiff gait and this is unavoidable.

    Continue with the paracetamol and ibuprofen to help  control the pain.

    Try to remain positive. Now almost 8 months on from my surgery I am firing on all cylinders and all the discomfort and the inconvenience is a distant memory for me.

    I am having my other foot done in September and the whole process will begin again. But at least I know exactly what to expect.

    And I have no regrets as it's all been worthwhile so far.

    Good Luck.

    Gillian

  • goanna57
    goanna57 angela43010

    Posted

    You should have at least stayed in hospital two days after having the bilateral scarf and akin osteotomy operation. You shouldn't have pain anywhere else apart from your feet. It doesn't sound right. Please contact your surgeon ASAP for an urgent appointment. Other than that, contact the hospital. It they tell you just to rest, taking medication its not good enough. You need to see your surgeon!!!! Are you getting help showering and dressing? Since my operation I've had a nurse showering me three times a week and the rest of the time I sponge wash because I can't put pressure on my foot getting in and out of the bath. (My shower and bath is all in one, which is a headache.) Please let me know how you get on. Best of luck!!!!
    • angela43010
      angela43010 goanna57

      Posted

      Hi goanna

      Pain was bad over weekend so I rang hospital for advice. They sent me to A & E where they checked me for depp vein thrombosis. The Dr was quite happy that it wasn't that and thought I had pulled muscles and tendons in my calves and told me to use Diclofenac gel to rub on affected area. Seeing my GP today for follow up.

      Fortunately I have help at home. My husband may not notice dust and the need for hoovering but he's a good cook and makes a lovely cup of tea.

      I borrowed a bath board from my elderly mum as we have no shower. I fill the bath and sit on the board with my legs out of the bath and pour water over myself in a similar way to a shower. It feels lovely but as a lover of a long soak I'm looking forward to the day when I can get in

      My bandages come off for the frst time tomorrow so I can see what's been done to me.

      It's a lovely day today, I think I'll just sit in the garden and count my blessings!

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.