About 5 wks post bunion surgery, question on physical therapy, swelling etc.

[applecrisp]

I had foot surgery (bunion and another toe) almost 5 wks ago. Surgery and post-surgery -- no prob at all, and doc says things look good. I was quite nervous (what an understatement) about the whole thing, but so far no real issues at all. Sure I had some pain, especially the first few days. I've been have some off and on pain the last few days (have been walking more, just recently started phsyical therapy) so not real surprising.

I've been going to physical therapy the last two weeks to help with stretching and swelling, and I have a slew of exercises, icing etc that I need to do on my own.

My questions.....
- I am at the point that I can trade in the honking big boot that I have to wear and start wearing my own shoes. I just tried my sneaker (opened laces wide) and my Merrells (they have a back) and both seems like a tight fit. I didn't force it and I was in a rush so I didn't put my foot in all the way -- and will try again later. So, if you have had similar surgery, did you have probs fitting into your own shoes --- certainly not talking fashionable shoes, talking sneaks etc. I know the swelling is going down, but curious on how long it took you for your foot to feel 100% in terms of no pain and swelling. Of course, I realize everyone is different. I have fairly wide feet to begin with.

- The last day or two (since able to walk without the boot --- just walked around my home) that my foot feels different. Sure its sore in parts, but I won't say it feels numb, just not as "awake" as the other foot. Sorry, hard to explain. Physical therapist its from the swelling and the "trauma" to foot by surgery. I will ask doc next week.

- I guess its common that swelling can go down and come back based on walking/phys therapy etc. I was surprised that one day I could do a certain exercise, the next day not so much, and then could do it again the third day.

Any insight etc would be super helpful.

Many thanks,

[sneezles]

Not had bunion surgery but did have major surgery on my right leg and I still have nerve issues and it's been 3 years (!!!). I have recovered quite a bit of feeling over that time but there is still a very small area that isn't quite numb but isn't quite normal. I say just give it time.

And even though you're technically at the point where you can where your own shoes doesn't mean you really are ready.

[applecrisp]

Thanks Sneezles for the info. According to my doc, he said I should be able to get rid of the boot two days ago. Walking around my house is no prob --- it's just getting into a sneaker or my super old/stretched out/super comfy Merrells.

Hmmm, I'm certainly not going to force it since squeezing my foot in a shoe certainly doesn't sound like a smart move. I'll see how it is tomorrow.

I guess I didn't really feel the "numbish" (how's that for a word) feeling when I had the boot on, it is more noticeable now.

Hey, at least my big toe is straight :), the toe next to it certainly appreciates it. Turns out that my small toe (had surgery on that too) hurts more. Now if it got rid of the pain and throbbing, I'll be a happy camper. So far, so good.

Thanks for the input.

[wallycat]

Swelling post surgery can continue for months.
Also, your foot has been reshifted, so how your shoes will fit pre and post surgery will make it feel different.

I've not had bunion surgery, but had bilateral mx and am 2-1/2 years out ..and still notice nerve issues.

Also, remember that even without surgery, feet tend to swell, so you are getting a double whammy.
Ask your PT about icing, antiinflammatories, and check with your doctor (of course) to ensure you are responding how he/she expected.
Best to you! I assume they did this laprascopically??

[applecrisp]

Thanks Wallycat.

I've been doing all the exercises, icing etc.... but could do better with keeping the foot elevated. I tend to just prop the foot on a chair (but when working on my computer I'm often quite lax, as I am right now.). I know keeping the foot above the heart is better so I am planning to hang out on my couch this weekend and see if I notice a difference in swelling. And, while hanging out on the couch, will ice a bit more. I also might have been walking a bit too much.

I did read in some of my materials that swelling can last 6 months or more and make fitting into some shoe difficult. I know a few people that have had bunion surgery and they never mentioned it. I know that everyone's feet and surgery is different though. The swelling is better than is was.

I will make a list of questions when I go back to the doc next week.

I've heard of laprascopic for knee surgery -- that's when they go in and do miniimal incision, right. Nope to your question, I have a one-inch incision near one toe, and a smaller incision on another.

Thanks for the help.