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Plantar plate repair and second metatarsal osteotomy post surgery heel pain

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joAnn1014
joAnn1014

I had plantar plate repair and weil second metatarsal osteotomy surgery almost 6 weeks ago. I was in a calf height cam boot for 5 weeks, non weight bearing entire time and using crutches and scooter to ambulate. When I went to my 5 week appointment my surgeon switched me from the calf high boot to an ankle ortho shoe and told me to start walking without crutches.

I now have sharp heel pain that radiates into the big toe when I try to put weight on my foot. The pain is preventing me from walking. I never had heel pain prior to surgery. My doctor put me on prednisone but that hasn’t seemed to help. Has anyone else ever experienced this and could it be from being in the boot for five weeks? Help! I need to be able to walk so I can return to work.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • phoebekins
    phoebekins joAnn1014

    Posted

    Hi, JoAnn - So sorry you are having this heel pain. I had your surgery in December 2016. My surgeon had me in a slower progression to walking. I was in a bandage for 6 weeks (totally non-weight-bearing) then in a tall boot for 2 or 3 more - beginning with slow and short bouts of walking and progressing to walking totally with the boot. Then on to a tennis shoe with orthotics for more weeks. Physical therapy was begun sometime while I was still in the boot. I never had the pain you describe and wonder if it is a function of too much too soon. Does it hurt in the boot? Have you started PT? Wishing you a speedy recovery!

    • joAnn1014
      joAnn1014 phoebekins

      Posted

      Thanks for replying. I too feel that it may be too much too soon. My foot hurts if I'm in boot all day, it gets very achy and sore. My ortho said he wasn't sending me for PT which seems strange to me. My sister in law is a physical therapist and she has given me a few exercises to stretch my foot. How long did you have physical therapy? I am going to request PT. At what week were you walking in boot without crutches (if you had crutches).

  • phoebekins
    phoebekins joAnn1014

    Posted

    My surgeon wouldn't perform the surgery until I had signed an agreement to follow the entire course of physical therapy he recommended. PT is not fun - but my doctor said there is a short window of time to keep scar tissue from forming and to regain full mobility. It's been 3 years, but I probably had 10 or 12 sessions in total going twice a week. I primarily used a knee scooter for first 6 weeks (was not good with crutches), then quickly ditched the crutches when I got a boot. Crutches hurt and my friend had torn her rotator cuff using them, so I only used them when absolutely necessary. I do remember that my foot hurt when I was up and moving around for too long. Recovery is slow - but my outcome has been great. I still feel a little stiffness sometimes (I have 2 screws) but I can walk miles and miles just fine now. Do insist on PT - and soon! Good luck!

    • joAnn1014
      joAnn1014 phoebekins

      Posted

      I have 2 screws also. It's amazing how post surgery can differ. I was in a wrap and boot right out of surgery for six weeks.

      Thanks for your advice. I spoke to my doc and I am starting physical therapy tomorrow. He prescribed three times a week for up to four weeks so I’m hoping this helps. Thanks for all of your advice and getting back to me I appreciate it

  • whitney24326
    whitney24326 joAnn1014

    Posted

    Hi. Can someone tell me why i have this space between my third and fourth toe?

    • joAnn1014
      joAnn1014 whitney24326

      Posted

      Hi. I'm not in medical field. It looks like it has something to do with your plantar plate, maybe it's ruptured. Or it could be a morton's neuroma. Best to go see a podiatrist or orthopaedic doctor who can take x-ray or MRI to see what's going on. Good luck

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