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physical therapy after boot comes off

Posted , 6 users are following.

jennifer70624
jennifer70624

Hello everyone,

I just got my boot off after a long 9.5week's of no weightberring and I'm allowed walk but only with walking boot on, for a week then I can transition to trainers. My Dr didn't give me any instructions on what to do next as far as physical therapy and exercises. I do see me videos on YouTube on what I can do to help with flexibility.

I was hoping I can get some feed back on what everyone else is did after the boot came off.

Thank you,

Jen

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • bev52304
    bev52304 jennifer70624

    Posted

    Hi Jen. I'm 10 weeks post op and still plodding along in trainers doing all the exercises my physio gave me. I really would advise you to get at least a couple of physio appointments. They will explain how to massage your feet properly and give you an exercise regime. I felt so much better after my 1st appointment because he demonstrated just how sturdy my feet were and just what I could do. I was so scared before in case I damaged my new feet I wasn't pushing myself. Also every time I have an appointment I ask a million questions and receive a confidence boost. My feet are still swollen to some degree but slowly improving each week. The physio assures me I'm on track. It really is a big help.
    • jennifer70624
      jennifer70624 bev52304

      Posted

      If you don't mind, what kind of exercises and therapy are you doing? Myy Dr has told me nothing and I think my insurance isn't going to cover therapy.

      So far all I know I'd to stretch my toes and ankle..

    • sue84239
      sue84239 jennifer70624

      Posted

      Hi I am at 13 weeks scarf and akin and having physio. I have a lot of stiffness so have been advised against toe raises for now and focus on massaging foot and curling toes. You can try a pick up a cloth using toes. Also rolling the sole of my foot on a tennis ball.other one on taking weight on good foot and then having bad one bent behind and flexing the foot lightly.....bit tricky to explain.

      i am doing contrast hot and cold water bowls in the evening 30 secs of each for about five minutes

      try to walk as normally as possible in trainers so end up walking slower to try and get normal movement back...hope that helps.

    • jennifer70624
      jennifer70624 sue84239

      Posted

      Yes! It does. Thank you for getting back with me. I am so lost in what to do. Like I said, my Dr. gave me nothing to do and I'm waiting to hear back about coverages on physical therapy. I tried picking up my sheets with my toes, but big toe still stiff.

      Also, do you have pain in your heel when you do walk?. I'm transitiong into trainers in a few days. For now I'm practicing walking with my boot. Still very difficult.

      I wish you well,

      Jen

    • sue84239
      sue84239 jennifer70624

      Posted

      It takes time Jen. My heel was ok apart from a few initial aches when I was getting used to normal walking again. Now it is the middle of my foot and big toe that aches as is very solid and stiff. I have very little bend in my big toe which is what my physio hopes to restore and avoid the plantar fasciitis that they suspect I may get.  I did not get nhs physio but hoping to soon.

      i don't expect to be walking completely normally for some time as foot is very  solid and swollen in the evenings and does not feel anything like the othe other one.

      good luck to you too. Try to do little and often and if you write your progress down it helps you to recognise improvements week on week.

      sue

    • jennifer70624
      jennifer70624 sue84239

      Posted

      Thank you Sue,

      Thank you for getting back to me. I'm happy to hear you didn't experience a whole lot of pain. I'm surprised too that I'm not in a lot more pain. It only hurts alittle when I walk. Other than that I have no other pains. I wish I knew how to share pictures. I would post my success.

      Thanks again and wishing you well.

  • sue84239
    sue84239 jennifer70624

    Posted

    Just realised you have been non weight bearing for longer than I was. I was off after 6 weeks so take it easy as your foot will be out of practise and need reminding how to work as well as having been through the trauma of surgery.  I would do lots of ankle rotations and forwards and back and then just gradually try to start a normal ish walking motion when you feel up to it.  Toe raises against a wall when you feel stronger but you may want to call for advice on your particular circumstances as I think I overdid these for a while and have now been told to wait until I get some more movement back.

    dont be afraid to ask hospital for advice if you can.

    sue

    • jennifer70624
      jennifer70624 sue84239

      Posted

      Lol, yeah, so far what I have read from other people on this forum I have been no weightberring the longest.

      I'm 10 wks today and had bunionectomy, with internal fixation and screws on the base of the foot, to prevent bunion from returning. I think that is what has taken me.So long. Plus my Dr. seems to be taking extra precaution. I'm going into trainers in a few days then I can really walk. (2hrs one day, 4the next, and 6hrs..ect) I will take your advice and do the stretches.

      Thank you.

      Jen

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