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Scarf/Atkin Osteotomy

Posted , 7 users are following.

goanna57
goanna57

Has anyone had a Scarf/Atkin Osteotomy (Hallux Valgus operation)? I'm post-op as from 24 June and wearing a surgical boot 24/7 (Stays on continuously) for six weeks. In that time I can't put weight-bearing on my foot. Can you please tell me how you felt once the boot was removed? Could you walk properly without pain?

0 likes, 31 replies

31 Replies

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  • tettin
    tettin goanna57

    Posted

    Hi, I had an operation in February, it has taken 6 months for me to be really happy with the result. I found myself limping for some time after the boot and plaster was removed. I went through various levels of recovery, many do, walking was an issue for some time, it was OK around the house but long walks were an issue, the toe joint ached and the muscles around it, plus underneath. This is becauses everything is re-aligned including muscles and other soft tissues around the toe and these take time to repair and stretch. It also takes a long time for the swelling/redness to go so you will need to continue to keep your foot elevated for several weeks and it will probably feel hot too. The good news was that driving was OK and although some pain was still there for ages it is not terrible and you do make gradual progress.

    The bottom line, do not expect to be pain free instantly, it may be different for you but it took mine far longer to recover than I expected (My consultant warned me it could take 6 months and some take a year!)

    • goanna57
      goanna57 tettin

      Posted

      Hi Tettin, thanks for  your reply. I haven't been keeping my foot elevated which was the wrong thing to do but will start doing so as from tomorrow. My nurse helped me this morning while sitting on a bathboard having a shower making sure I could soak my foot in the bath which felt great. Had trouble getting out because there is no way I can put my foot to the floor without the surgical boot. Only 7 more visits from my nurse which worries me because I know its going to be extremely hard for me. Pity my bath and shower is all in one.
  • gillian14549
    gillian14549 goanna57

    Posted

    Dear Goanna.

    Are you sure yo have been told to wear the boot cointinuously throughout the day and night?

    I had a special heel wedge shoe to wear as do almost all people who have this surgery and you only have to wear it during the day time and if you need to get up during the night. You should not need to wear it in bed and even in the daytime if you are resting with your foot elevated you are allowed to remove the shoe/boot.

    If I was you I would be checking with the consultant about the length of time each day you must wear it.

    You must wear it always when you are walkng around though as it keeps the weight of the forefoot off the ground and keeps the pressure off the foot also.

    I think you have maybe misunderstood the advice/instruction.

    Good Luck.

    Gillian

    • goanna57
      goanna57 gillian14549

      Posted

      The specialist and nursing staff at the hospital told me to wear the boot at all times for 6 weeks including the time I'm in bed. I had 12 stitches after two bones were broken and seperated. Two screws and staple being inserted holding it together. Please see the following link..._____

      I haven't been keeping my foot elevated at much as I should, which hasn't been good. The surgical boot has a wedge heel which keeps my toes pointing upwards. Pressure is on the heel only.

      Patient Moderator Note: I have removed an URL (a link) from this reply as it was unsuitable for inclusion within these forums. If any user is interested in this removed information they should contact the author via the Private Messaging system requesting such. Thank you for your cooperation.

      patient.info/forums/discuss/private-messages-226361

  • karen94066
    karen94066 goanna57

    Posted

    Hi goannas! I am 5 days post o (9/7/2014) I have been keeping my feet elevated 90% of the time on cushions with no surgical shoes on. I put ithem on every time I walk anywhere to protect the surgery, I also wear  them in bed as I am a wrestles sleeper & feel that they give me some protection incase I turn onto my side/tummy I am not back at the hospital until next Wednesday to have the bandages off not sure what instruction I will be given regarding the shoe etc. You are ahead of me so I will be interested in the advice you are given. Happy lazy day with your feet up. 
  • joyce26315
    joyce26315 goanna57

    Posted

    I had the same op 7 weeks ago and sandal off a week ago, and am now able to get around pain free provided i do not do too much. I followed the doctor's advice to elevate my foot for the first 2 weeks only putting it down 5 min per hour, also elevate on pillows at night. BTW I agree with other people that it is strange to keep the boot/ sandal on at night. Every person is different and perhaps I have been lucky. Another thing I have done is to massage the foot and scar with BIo Oil and this may have helped . Good Luck and Good Healing !
    • goanna57
      goanna57 joyce26315

      Posted

      Thanks Joyce for your reply. My skin is extremely dry with it peeling off the top of my foot which was bandaged. I will buy Bio Oil to see if it helps me. My GP told said its best having a light cover over it during the night but its too cold doing that here in Sydney au. I hope all goes well with you. I haven't followed orders keeping it elevated for the two weeks as I live alone and needed shopping etc. Just hope no damage has been done.
  • simone79847
    simone79847 goanna57

    Posted

    Hi

    i had that operation on 27June on my right foot. I was issued a boot or shoe but did not wear it in bed as I didn't in hospital. I stayed overnight. I am wearing my boot and keeping off my foot until the six weeks have elapsed. I was told I would experience pain as my muscles etc would have got used to the heel weight baring shoe and with all the muscle wastage. So that's what I am expecting. How are you doing so far?

    • goanna57
      goanna57 simone79847

      Posted

      Hi Simone, I'm still wearing the boot to bed having restless nights but getting there. The only time its off is while sitting on a bath board taking a shower because I can't put weight bearing on it. (Bath and shower are all in one, which is a pain in the butt.) I've had no muscle pain in my legs wearing the boot but have some in my lower back and hips. I always try to wear a jogger on the good foot trying to make both shoes a bit even. I'm having another x-ray tomorrow and again a day before seeing the specialist making sure all is fine. You are lucky being able to keep off your foot. I live in a town house having to climb 15 stairs to the bathroom and bedroom. I manage by putting me sore foot on the step with the other on the same step whilst climbing sideways up and down the stairs. I need to see my surgeon on August 7 when the boot will be removed and no longer on crutches. I wish you all the very best with your foot.
    • simone79847
      simone79847 goanna57

      Posted

      Hi Joanna

      i know what you mean about finding a shoe to try and minimise the difference in height with the the surgical shoe. It's summer here so I found a thong (called fit flop that has a height of two inches. ) it made things so much better. It's so awkward walking lopsided! My hips were dreadful at one point. I bet the stairs feel as though you are climbing Mt Everest!  I am more mobile now but become very worn out with it. I will never take mobility for granted again. I was born in Sydney .... I hear you are having a cold windy winter. All the best, Simone

  • Clarissabelle
    Clarissabelle goanna57

    Posted

    Hi.  I had a scarf/akin osteotomy in April last year on right foot and the same on left foot in January this year.  I was walking in a heel walking shoe two hours after surgery with crutches.  The shoe was removed for sleeping.  I was walking on it without the shoe after 5 weeks with no pain at all.  Hope this helps

     

    • goanna57
      goanna57 Clarissabelle

      Posted

      Thanks Clarissabelle by making me feel better. I hope I will be able to do the same on August 7 when the boot is removed after seeing my surgeon. Are you able to wear any type of shoes? Has all the swelling gone down?
  • Clarissabelle
    Clarissabelle goanna57

    Posted

    Hi.  I ve been back in normal shoes for months now.  Probably ten weeks after surgery the swelling had gone completely and I was back to normal after the first op.  This more recent one took a bit longer as I had a bad infection in the hammer toe so the swelling persisted for longer.   I ve had problems with this one since an accident six years ago which left me with a bone infection and I had to have the foot fused then, so the surgeon wasn t surprised when the infection recurred.  It s so nice in this weather to be able to wear strappy sandals and have no bunions and straight toes.  
  • angela43010
    angela43010 goanna57

    Posted

    Hi

    I had this procedure on both feet on 11th July and only have to wear the boots to hobble around on my crutches. The rest of the time I take them off and elevate my feet. I was told that I will have to wear them for 6 weeks, but only when I'm walking.

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