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

post foot surgery

by Linda
(Buffalo,New York)

I am 4 weeks post op (McBride) bunionectomy and hammertoe surgery. I was NOT allowed to bear weight for 4 week due to the pins protruding out of my toes.

I am now allowed to start weight bearing with the help of crutches or a cane however when I bear weight the heel and arch part in the back of my foot hurt more than any part of the foot. I am somewhat discouraged because some people write that they are walking around after 3-4 weeks and here I sit. Is this normal because I haven't walked on it? I'm puzzled. Please help!!

Hi Linda,
Every surgeon has their own way of doing things. I personally allow my patients to walk from day one, even with pins in their toes. I mention this because your problem with your arch and heel may be due to the fact that you were nonweightbearing for so long. You do not mention if you are still in a surgical shoe ( I would hope not), but that too can cause pain in the foot away from the surgical site.
The best advice I can give you is to speak with your surgeon, allow he or she to make sure there is no problem, per se, going on in the heel and arch. Assuming no real problem, my opinion would be that some physical therapy would go a long way to relieving your pain, unfortunately, it seems you may be paying the price for four weeks of inactivity on the surgical foot.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for post foot surgery

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Aug 05, 2010
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Is it supposed to hurt a lot
by: HAZEL

I am 2 days Post-Op from bunion and hammertoe surgery.On the second day, I was in so much pain from the Hammer toe pin that i went back to my nurse and she gave me 4 more injections into my ankle to deaden the pain,that lasted about 6-8 hours. Today it hasnt been so bad. Also had the bandages changed because my foot was covered in blood and also had antibiotics, is that normal also.Is the pain extreme for some people post op with this operation..

Feb 13, 2009
Rating

dissovable screws
by: Deb

I am preparing to go for bunionectomy, hammertoe surgery and have spoken with 2 doctors. One uses screws that dissolve, the other uses metal screws that stay inside. The dr. with the dissolvable screws says I will be in a sneaker in 4 weeks and no boot, just some sort of molded shoe for protection. I lie that idea - but would like to hear form someone with experience.thanks.

Jul 24, 2008
Rating

post bunionectomy/hammertoe surgery
by: Linda

Thank you for your reply. And yes I am STILL in the surgical boot. I am just going on 6 weeks post op. The boot is irritating however it feels worse to go barefoot. (on my heel).
I also have it wrapped where the incision was and twice around the big toe. Just following orders but I wonder why this might be necessary?
I am planning on doing the other foot at the end of October (no hammertoes this time). Dreading it because of the long recovery.
Also/ I was an avid walker. Can I use an eliptical or what to exercise my legs and butt. Sitting has been a real downer for me.
And eating is my best friend!!!!

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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

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

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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New Zealand

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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Arlington, VA

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location unknown

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location unknown

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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!

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Poland

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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

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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!

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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Russ W.

location unknown

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location unknown

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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!

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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

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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.

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Colorado

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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.

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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......

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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

post foot surgery

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