Panicking after big toe fusion on both f

Daisy15

I am really stressing after one toe operated early December and the other early February. I have back pain after wearing the big shoe and sore side of feet which I had before surgery, from walking on outside of feet. The toe joints have fused but I'm struggling to walk well. I know it's early days but I am so worried I feel ill. Can anyone advise please?

ChrisG9

Hi Daisy , sorry to read you are in discomfort. I had one of my big toes fused in Oct 2024 and I'm starting to see real improvement after a few months of difficulty.

Do you have any more appointments with your consultant to review your healing? Also can you be referred to see a physiotherapist? Where I live, we can self-refer through the NHS which I did. The physio has been really helpful, I see them every 4 weeks and they set me specific exercise to strengthen the parts of my legs that have been weakened through the operation. Although the foot that has been operated on is still weaker, I have seen a real improvement on how I walk and a dip in the soreness.

PJoanne

Hello Daisy,

I wonder if following up your progress with your care team/GP so that you can get some advice would help you. I do think that as you are struggling to walk this should be looked into, and hopefully this could help with the worry and stress. Also discuss pain relief with them as well, so you know your options.

There are breathing exercises and mindfullness techniques that are very helpful for stress. Here is a link to the VA website page about them : https://versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/meditation-and-mindfulness-and-how-it-might-help-you/

Here is a link that might interest you, in case you haven't seen it:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/foot-and-ankle-surgery/

This read as well : https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

All the best Joanne

Daisy15

I have been signed off by my consultant recently and won't be seeing him again after the x-ray was okay. I did make an appointment with the physiotherapist at my GP and had one session with him only. He assured me I would improve. He gave me exercises for my back, ( I was wearing the shoe for 4 months with only a 2 week break). The consultant and physiotherapist said it would take time, especially having them close together. There is a podiatrist at my GP that I saw initially but he's not that great and feeling maybe to wait a bit and give myself a bit of time. I'm wearing broad canvas shoes but nothing feels right. I know it's still quite early but I am so scared. I'm sick of sore feet and bad walking.

PJoanne

Hi @Daisy15

I highly recommend giving our helpline a ring, it's free and they are amazing. The telephone number is underneath my signiture.

All the best Joanne

Daisy15

Thank you I will do that.