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Walking in 2 weeks

Posted , 5 users are following.

tasha420
tasha420

So I just had my 6 week follow up after my subtalar ankle fusion with only 2 screws. My orthopedic surgeon says I can take the boot off at night but in scared lol I've been so used to it I'm worried I will do damage because I'm a toss and turn sleeper. He also says I should start weight bearing and try walking in 2 weeks and I was wondering what I should expect in regards to pain, movement, swelling and if you have any warnings, info or if you recommend any exercises I should be doing to help. He is amazed at how well and quickly I'm healing....you can hardly see the 2 scars which is great. Any input would be great. I love the help and hope I've gotten from this group of great people. Happy healing my foot friends.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • lynne1953
    lynne1953 tasha420

    Posted

    From my experience, which was a bit different as I had a plaster cast first then the boot, there is some pain and swelling to be expected once you start weight bearing. I was terrified of it at first but I trust the surgeon completely and decided to just go for it carefully. Make sure that you rest with your foot up as often as you can, that will help with the swelling and enjoy the freedom! I had a triple fusion on 4th October last year and saw the Consultant this week. She reminded me that although my scars have healed the inside of the foot still has a lot of healing to do so swelling and some pain is going to be normal for a good while yet. Good luck to you, go for it cautiously and remember some days will be better than others.
  • jill06802
    jill06802 tasha420

    Posted

    Hi foot friend,

    Had ankle fusion 6th Nov, still NWB in an airboot. Next appointment 30th Jan hopefully will be able to start partial weight bearing and get moving around. I have started using the foot to steady myself when standing as advised. This on its own felt very strange but have found it naturally increases and as days go by. I have very similar concerns as you around future sleeping without my airboot and pain when walking.

    Hope all goes well

  • mammalu
    mammalu tasha420

    Posted

    Hi, I had sub talar fusion in April last year. There will be some increased swelling and pain when you start weight bearing, but it should settle over time. Take it slow, lots of rest in between. Let everyone know, that just because you can walk sometimes, it doesn't mean you can do it all the time! Get physiotherapy if you can. Even just a few visits to give you the right info. If your pain persists, and I am talking months from now, Get a ct or mri scan, don't just rely on x-rays. I had x-rays which showed my fusion was solid, but from about 7 months, pain increased. X-ray showed good, but Bone scan, and ct confirmed fusion unstable. Am going in for surgery today to have it all done again!!! Will also have other joints reviewed. Back to square one. But needs to be done, as I can't walk at all now. Good luck.

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