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

Still walking on side of foot?

Posted , 6 users are following.

margot50552
margot50552

Hi there. I am 7 weeks post op now from a double scarf and akin osteotomies. I was given the go ahead at 6 week check to get back into 'normal' shoes. I am wearing a wide fit velcro sandal just now, but have noticed that i am walking on the side of my foot. I am trying my best to distribute my weight better over the whole of my foot, but i feel as if there is a big ball under each of the balls of my foot. This is giving me all other aches and pains - and hope that this can be helped with physio. Anyone else experienced this ball like feeling? Thanks in advance.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • sue84239
    sue84239 margot50552

    Posted

    Hi margot.  This is a very normal feeling and does correct as you get more mobile.  I still walk a little to the side unless I co entrants and I am 18 weeks. I am having physio and it has helped get more bend back in big toe whic in turn makes you walk on ball of foot. I have also found rolling a hard ball under your foot helps as an exercise.

    hope it improves for you soon.

     

    • margot50552
      margot50552 sue84239

      Posted

      Thanks Sue. I know it is early days but just wondered why i had that feeling under foot. Wow you're still having physio at 18 weeks? When did you start with Physio?
    • sue84239
      sue84239 margot50552

      Posted

      Yes margot. I have had excessive stiffness and crps which is slowing recovery but getting better with physio I think...I hope!

      i started it at the beginning of April privately and then was referred by my consultant due to the crps which is burning pain  and discolouration primarily!

  • barbara00055
    barbara00055 margot50552

    Posted

    I'm the same time from op as you and started wearing Teva active sandals at five weeks.  I too am walking on the side of my foot and trying hard to walk properly, with the same consequence aches and pains elsewhere.  And the feeling of a lump on my instep.

    I read somewhere that when you start to walk always begin at the heel and gradually walk forward to the toes.  I tried this and it does feel better.  Also we should be trying to walk without our big toe sticky up.  It's really hard to remember all this when your struggling to walk!  

    Didnt know it was going to be like this, I'll just have to be patient.  No sign of having physio, might end up paying for it myself too.

    • margot50552
      margot50552 barbara00055

      Posted

      Thanks barbara. Some good advice there. You are so right about how difficult this is and i thought i was prepared for it as well. Anyway I see the physiotherapist today so hoping I'll se some improvement soon.
  • nicola22779
    nicola22779 margot50552

    Posted

    I have a couple of tips which may help (I am at 15 week point):

    1. See a good podiatrist and get some orthotics to fit inside your shoes. See how they speed up your progress!

    2. Exercise your foot by picking a small soft ball up off the floor for 2 min. Use the ball under your toes to bend your big toe back then roll your foot over it to bend the toes down. Do this 10 times. Put your foot flat on the floor and use your foot muscles to bend the toe back/up and hold for 5 sec then bend the toe down using only your foot muscles and hold for 5 sec. My podiatrist gave me these exercises.

    3. When you first start walking in normal shoes, walk slowly and concentrate on rolling your foot forward properly from heel to toe rather than walking fast with a flat foot.

    I hope this helps. As you may guess, I have a lot of time for podiatrists! I had surgery by an NHS orthopaedic surgeon and saw the podiatrist privately afterwards.

    • barbara00055
      barbara00055 nicola22779

      Posted

      Thanks, but I can't even bend my big toe forward towards the floor, no movement there unless I physically push the big toe and then I can move it back by itself!  The other toes are working though.

      imwill try these exercises, I'll buy myself one of this little jelly exercise balls maybe.  And I'll have to find out where to buy orthotics, do they come in different sizes and strength?  Are they hard plastic but springy?

    • nicola22779
      nicola22779 barbara00055

      Posted

      Hi Barbara. Yes, flexibility is hard to get especially if your foot is swollen. Don't overdo it, by the way. I forgot to say thart earlier! My ball is a soft plastic inflatable one with soft spikes on the outside (which massage your feet)! I don't know the make unfortunately! Different podiatrists make different types of orthotics. Mine are made of different layers of plastic, some of which are springier and softer than others. You can buy Over-The -Counter ones, e.g. from chemists and walking and sports shops but when you've had an op, I think it is better to get personalised ones. Of course, they cost more but it is money well-spent in my opinion!
    • margot50552
      margot50552 nicola22779

      Posted

      Thankyou so much nicola. Its always good to hear from someone who's a bit further on as it gives us hope that things do get better. Great tips. Seeing physio today so hopefully will have more improvement.
  • ellen70141
    ellen70141 margot50552

    Posted

    HI,

     Ellen here 41/2 weeks post op,bunion removal & 2 screws right foot,I was told also to start to walk like i used to even distribution of weight,but I too am having trouble

    walking or putting weight on my foot.When I do it still hurts,I will be going back on the 10th of Sepot.I am suppose to go back to work on the 13th.which isn't happening,but I don't know how much longer I can stand being home.I t am using a compression bandage now and a small one for my toe,which still feels like a piece of dead meat on ,my foot.I will address this also as it still doesn't feel right yet.I work in retail so I need to be able to walk fast and I can't right now,I am hoping this will get better real soon.The doctor told me that scar tissue is building up and you need to break it up,I have been going in the pool and doing toe upwards thrusts,like they told me,but it hurt so I stopped.I will try again tonight,let me tell you it hurts.At this point I cannot see going back to work anytime soon.I hope you are feeling better and that this helped,just take time to heal,I am 55 years old and I do tend to heal slower than before. Best of luck,keep in touch,nice talking to you,Ellen

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.