Use this search box to search our site

Not what you're looking for? CLICK HERE INSTEAD

The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Fell and injured foot three weeks after cheilectomy for hallux limitus

by Devon Blake
(Chautauqua, New York, USA)

foot in a cast

Three weeks ago I had a cheilectomy for hallux limitus with sesamoid involvement--and arthritis.

Last Thursday, I had the stitches removed and was told to leave the BOOT off and to start working the great toe (left foot) to increase flexibility.

Pain was pretty much gone, and I could move the big toe upward about an inch and down MUCH LESS--but I was doing it and going to PT. I was also told to get sneakers or soft shoes. I HATE THEM. I always wore high heel, which I know caused or certainly exacerbated my problem.

But the real problem is that I am out of balance in flat shoes--and just tonight misjudged the top step and fell down the stairs halfway and injured my LEFT FOOT. I started shrieking and crying because I was so afraid that I blew my surgery. My husband helped me upstairs and back into my recliner to elevate the foot and ice it.

Strangely, the great toe seems fine but the four lesser toes are NOT fine. It hurts to move them up or down and walking with weight bearing is painful. NOT EXCRUCIATING but painful.

My foot surgeon is an hour away and it is now midnight in New York so I would NOT BOTHER him this late.

I know you can't tell just from this description, but does this sound really serious? I read your discussion of turf toe (which is what I had in the left great toe--kind of--but from years of wearing high heels--and I had a lot of arthritis in the joint) and how it can occur in the lesser toes as well. FREAKED ME OUT, Doctor. How can I move and rehabilitate my great

toe if I have to immobilize the lesser toes?

One last question----and thank you for this question area, profoundly---is it possible I just sprained my toes? And they need rest? Should I wear my boot again until I can see the doctor? If the pain goes away overnight, do I even need to bother the doctor?

But I am so upset, I cannot tell you. I was healing so well and have so many official conferences and functions I must attend starting April 1st--and wanted so to be HEALED and HEELED!

Thanks so much--
Devon

RESPONSE
Hi Devon,

Regardless of how your foot feels this morning I would at the very least place a call to your surgeon and make him aware of what happened. Based on how the foot feels today will determine if any treatment is necessary.
You certainly could go to a local doctor or emergency room and have an x-ray; there is no need to drive an hour for that.
The purpose of an x-ray of course would be to see if you broke a bone somewhere in your forefoot or if you did some damage to the surgical area. Chances are if the surgical area is pain-free then one could assume there is no problem there.
So, if you did not break any bones and the smaller toes are still painful, you probably either just bruised the toes or did some ligament damage which could be a condition like capsulitis which is turf-toe of the lesser toes.
I understand your anxious to get well as quickly as possible. To that end, have your foot checked out and continue with physical therapy as that will expedite the healing process.

Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER

Comments for Fell and injured foot three weeks after cheilectomy for hallux limitus

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 16, 2012
Rating

Almost 100% better!
by: Devon Blake

Dear Doctor,

I just wanted to thank you again and tell you that you were totally correct: my secondary pain was either capsulitis or metatarsalgia in my other toes after the topple down the stairs following my cheilectomy in the 1st MPJ.

I carefully avoided moving the four lesser toes, always stayed in a stiff soled but padded shoe, and tried to work my big toe without disturbing the others, so they could heal.

The result: at six weeks my X-rays were perfect and the pain in the lesser toes had diminished until almost gone.

Now at ten weeks, I just returned from a huge conference in the enormous GAYLORD Opryland in Nashville, and I walked everywhere, albeit carefully in 4-inch heels--soft soled--with a 2-inch platform. These shoes feel like flats to ME (former and never again STILETTO wearer), and I am extremely thankful for this second chance and will protect my feet from now on. I wear two inch heels in the house and vary the elevation.

I am so grateful, as I know many who have this surgery for Hallux rigidus or limitus are not so fortunate. And I credit you for the help that made the difference, Doctor.

Thanks again and good luck to the rest of you foot sufferers! I had NO IDEA how horrid a bad foot could be---but once I did I will never take my feet for granted again!

Devon

Mar 04, 2012
Rating

Exercise follow-up
by: Anonymous

You are something else, Doctor. Thank you.

Your response really did help me. I will continue the toe range of motion exercises and not be so fearful of injury. It's really more vanity than fear: I want my high heels back...just not stilettos EVER AGAIN--and after I fell I thought those days were over. I have faith again now--and even bought the INSOLIS set today.

I am going to buy your orthotic right now, as well--with the metatarsal pad or bar, I believe you called it.

I don't mind the movement exercises as much as I fear taking a big step with too much pressure on the toes, which I have done too frequently to searing pain. I believe a supportive orthotic will help with both range of motion and the increased confidence to walk more often.

My goodness, if more foot and ankle specialists were like you, I doubt there would be so many multiple surgeries and re-injuries.

I commend you, seriously!

Thanks--Devon

Hi Devon,

Thanks for the kind words; just doing my job. Make sure you keep your surgeon in the loop as far as what you are doing and how you are progressing. Good luck.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Mar 04, 2012
Rating

Follow up two weeks later
by: Devon Blake

Thank you again, Doctor, for this fabulous website.

It has been two weeks since I fell and a full month since my cheilectomy for hallux limitus.

My foot still hurts, basically in the great toe area where the surgery was performed, especially when I push off too much on the toe, accidentally (for sure)--or during and after the toe exercises. But everything I've read says to force the toe up and down to the point of real pain--and then do it ten times more.

My question is this: if I had arthritis in the 1st MPJ (which I did), won't forcing the toe to move cause more irritation and encourage more arthritic tissue in the joint?

I'm not afraid of pain; I am afraid of re-injuring my poor toe. Perhaps the fall has made me skittish, but even my PT man tells me to let the foot rest, recommending distraction more than forced movement. After hearing your excellent commentary on sprained ankles and time required for healing, I find this FORCEFUL toe calisthenics antithetical to a successful recovery. On the other hand, I do understand that I must move the toe to avoid FROZEN TOE syndrome.

Some people are running at a month and standing on tip toes after cheilectomy. HOW? I know everyone is different, but I would certainly love to hear your feelings on what you consider the proper balance between encouraging range of motion and outright TOE ABUSE!

Thanks again, sincerely.
Devon

Hi Devon,

To put things in perspective, I have my patients exercising their big toe joint three days after surgery, not necessarily with physical therapy, but rather walking around the house without the surgical shoe. I want to get the toe to start bending as soon as possible. I am more worried about the toe joint freezing than I am about anything else.
Osteoarthritis is a strange phenomenon in the sense that it can be argued that too much motion in a joint over the years, will cause the joint to wear down and become arthritic, however, after surgery excessive motion is necessary to keep the joint from becoming stiff and thus painful once again.
Since I am not treating you, I would suggest you go by the recommendation of your surgeon as he or she is the one ultimately responsible for your well being.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Feb 24, 2012
Rating

THANK YOU, DOCTOR!
by: Devon Blake

I really appreciate your comments. I did go to a local doctor, and as there was no pain three days later he felt I didn't need the XRAY. I actually got into bed after I posted and slept for 37 hours straight. Talk about a healing response.

When I awoke, the pain was gone and I could walk normally--well, as normally as before I fell.

I was hesitant to resume physical therapy in case I did have capsulitis but will see my surgeon on Monday and CONFESS and then resume therapy on Tuesday.

Thank you again. And I LOVE SUMMIT, NJ--lovely little town.

Devon

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask the doctor.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS(items I prescribe in the office)

Orthotics for multiple types of foot pain best buy in a pre-made orthotic click link below

Orthotics for heel and arch pain for those who must wear dress shoes click link below

HONESTe Online Member Seal
Click to verify - Before you buy!

I've been doing some aggressive research lately (it's how I found your incredible website) and realize now that my symptoms are not consistant with the diagnosis.

Jennifer

Hunterville, NC

….after reviewing your amazing site (great for the avg. jill). So thank you very much!!!

Liesbeth

NY

I am really, really impressed with your plain-speak explanations for the various conditions.

Jacqueline

NJ

This was an extremely helpful site. I have an appointment on the 18th and your info. Was right on target…..

Jack

Fla

A well organized site containing much information written in a manner that the average reader can comprehend.

Jean

Ontario, Canada

I found your website and articles most interesting.

Andrew

Fla.

Thank you for a quick response. I think your site is the best information site on foot pain and I have viewed many.

Judy

(location unknown)

I came to your website, footspecialist.net via www.foot-pain explained .com which I think is also your website? I thought explanations for different types of problems were well addressed and thoughtfully stated for the patient in mind.

L.W.

New York

You have an amazing and extremely informative site. I enjoyed looking through all of the data and stats.

Yvette

Memphis, TN

Thanks again so much for the information in the article. Very interesting.

Anna

Scotland

Great article. I have had plantar fasciitis since I was in high school……..

J. Simmons

(location unknown)

Dear Dr. Mitnick, The orthotics arrived four days ago and I slipped them into my shoes immediately. I was skeptical as to the usefulness of the item, they really didn't look very exotic. I have to say though, after using them for just four days, I have experienced grand relief from my foot pain. Even the very first day, I was able to do a lot of work while on my feet with at least a 75% reduction of pain. It has only gotten better every day, and I go nowhere without my shoes with the orthotics. I had been experiencing extreme heel and sole pain for about six months and had to take extended breaks off my feet many times a day as well as regular doses of Ibuprofen. Since getting the orthotics, my life has returned to normal and I feel good again. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendation for a very effective item, I had no idea what a change this item could affect.

Yours truly,

J.C. Forbes

Tennessee

Thanks for the Response, you hit it on the head.

Steve

Redondo Beach, CA

Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..

LH

(location unknown)

First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems. Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….

Joe

(location unknown)

First of all, thank you for having all this useful information available in one place. I've been through most of your website and based on my research, pain and evaluations I think I've narrowed things down quite a bit.

Pete M.

(location unknown)

Thank you for the best site I have found when researching foot pain.

Glenda B.

Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

Carol

Denison, TX

Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,

Dawn

West lafayette, IN

Dear sir...no doubt you get positive comments re your site...May I please be added to the list of your admirers. In all of my years of web surfing I would say your site is right there with the very best. Thank you for taking the time to write the terrific info you provide and for putting things into laymen terms for us mere mortals. I pray you have much on going success and thank you again for a deed well done. As for me I did not find much help for my symptoms and will continue on my quest. Were you anywhere in the South I would make and appointment...Thanks again dear sir...m.e.

Michael E.

Tampa, Florida 33624

Hi. This is a great site! I'm a healthy middle aged woman who is in good health, but.....

Kelly

Texas

Just a wee word of thanks for your wonderful website...It is a terrific service...Thank you for providing your knowledge and help...With highest regards, m ebeling

Michael D. Ebeling

Tampa, Florida 33624

Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot.

Steve

Dear Dr.Mitnick

I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain.

I thank you for putting together this incredible website.

Regards,

Dragica W.

Edmonton,Canada

....I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE!

Roxy

South Africa

You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Thank you for that.

Matthew W.

Mansfield Ctr, CT

First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you.

Steve

Placentia, California

First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.)

Unknown

Unknown location

I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.

Ric J.

Unknown location

I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. And your site is so intelligently arranged.

Ron R.

Pacific Grove, CA

I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Again, I want to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. It was so great to get to your site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed EASILY and QUICKLY! Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really appreciate it.

All the best,

Victoria

Alameda, California

By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!

Anonymous

Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!

Anonymous

Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain...... Dee RN

Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.

Catherine

New Zealand

Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies. Thank again! What a great web site!

Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Cindy H.

Arizona

I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.

Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland

Thank you so much for your response. I will let you know how I am doing if you would like. Your website is awesome!

M P

South Carolina

Hello! I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....

Natalie

unknown location

...Thanks for your fantastic service.

Gary

Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

Staying at home after hallux surgery I spend quite a lot of time seaching info useful for avoiding problems which might come back. Today I found your site and I am .... delighted it happened. It's one of the best site I found last days.

Anna

Poland

Thanks for taking time to read and answer so many questions. It is truly a public service!

Esh

Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Fell and injured foot three weeks after cheilectomy for hallux limitus

Comments for Fell and injured foot three weeks after cheilectomy for hallux limitus

conditions

additional information

Recent Articles

Vitamin D impact on health

Foods to speed up healing

Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes

Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain?

shin splints

Whats new in skin cancer?

Causes and risk factors of warts

Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily?

Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes

Outcome stats from Scarf bunionectomy