Wearing heels after fusion bunion operation?

Hi Shelly

Did you have the surgery?  I had a big toe fusion on 2nd August 2016 so we may be a similar points.  would be interested to hear how you are doing?  Firstly want to say, I read these forums and think how lucky I am, my foot has healed very well and I have no pain.  I am still in a surgical shoe until my hospital check up in 2 weeks time.  I have taken a few steps without it round the house and it feels a little odd but fine.  My only slight concern is my foot does get quite hot and red sometime (with swelling), mainly in the evening or after a shower, but it does seem to recover quickly so all the healing process I guess.

I am not too worried about wearing heals as haven't been able to for some time but have tried on ankle boots and long boots (with zips and 1 inch heels) and they seem fine.  I might try some slightly higher heels in a few weeks but have been investigating different flats and there are some lovely choices out there.

Really looking forward to getting a bit more active, walking and to the gym, hopefully not long now.

So hope you are also doing ok.

Hello

i had a fusion on the 31st August. Had plate and screws and it's all down no what it's supposed to do. Back in shoes a week ago but not really heels. My foot us improving but I would say still uncomfortable. I have tried 

most of my shoes and can get into them all but my very high heels. Small sacrifice really. I am not sure how long I will be able to walk in some if them. My old crocs are the most comfortable. I think patience is the name of the game. Good luck 

Thanks so much for your email.  You seem much more positive than the other responses.  While I expect pain and know the recovery will be relatively long, I'm just concerned about NEVER being able to wear heels again and I'm only talking about 1-1/2 inches or so.  My doctor says I will be in a cast for 6 weeks.  Were you in a cast?  That almost seems to be the worst part of this.  Right now I'm trying to decide if I should do this or postpone the surgery until it's unbearable.

Do it! I should have had it at least a year ago. I didn't have a cast I wore a large Dacro type boot until 6 weeks when I was allowed to weight bear. I showed the consultant my shoes which have a 1 and a half inch wedge and he said fine, main thing is they have a rigid sole. Mine were reikers. 

I had very little pain but as you start to walk again there is some discomfort but I think it will be worth it eventually. It can rake up to a year, so it really depends on your lifestyle.mtherebis a really good Facebook forum site called I survived a bunionectomy. Lots of different experiences and lots of great help and advice and support.if I had relied on the comments here I think I would have not had the op. Hope this is helpful

Thanks for your note.  Did an orthopedist do your surgery or a podiatrist?  I'm seeing an orthopedist.  The podiatrist said I didn't need a fusion but the orthopedist says I do, because of arthritis.  If the arthritis isn't too bad, he won't,do a fusion but, of course, he won't know this until he cuts into my foot.

Mine told me that it would only get worse and if I didn't have the fusion I would be back again after a year or do. He was an orthopaedic surgeon

Exactly what my surgeon told me.

Hi Jan

I had a big toe fusion on 2nd August this year so was pleased to see your positive post and you are a few weeks after me with recovery.  I too have tried all my old shoes on, accepted no high heels (which I haven't been comfortable in for some time anyway) and had a good clear out.  I was in a surgical shoe for 1 weeks so just last week released into normal shoes.  My surgeon said as stiff as possible sole so off I went boot hunting for winter. I did get some stiff boots but do wonder if they are too stiff as struggling a bit walking.   You mention discomfort when walking and I would like to ask if its the same as my experience.  I find when i try to walk normally I feel my fused toe is hitting the ground too early and so I am cutting my stride short which over a little time becomes a limp.  Are you the same?  Do you (or anyone else) think this will become more natural in time and perhaps we wont notice it?

When I am in trainers it is a little better and I don't get any pain which is great, just wonder if I need to give it more time?

Yes Paula I get the same. Really strange sensations and sometimes pan  but I think it's all part if the healing process. I haven't gone into boots yet but I think mine will be ok, apart from the incident scar which they might rub. I have been coveting it with a bunion shield for now until it is a bit tougher. Slowly slowly I think. Good luck. 

 

Thank you Jan, its great to know its not just me and perhaps I am expecting too much too soon.  May I just ask if you are in the Uk and your age, i am in Uk and 49.

I'm in the uk too in Dorset and I'm 68.  Where are youThere is a very good site, I survived a bunionectomy. Great support and lots of information. Try it and good luck.

thank you Jan I will check out the site.  I am in Hampshire so not far away

I hint you will find I it interesting, it h led me a lot in the early days. Awful day here today ugh, feet up and good book,I think. 

Hi, Jan:

I am considering a fusion. How are you doing these days with yours? Are you still happy with it?

Thank you,

Monica