Suggest Remedy For Difficulty In Walking After Bone Fusion Surgery In Foot

Brief Answer:
Stop weight bearing. You need to assess the operation rewsults .

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query under HCM forum.
The difficulty in walking after undertaking foot fusion surgery ...has to have both physical & psychological trauma.,I understand your concern.
1 - There are a couple of possibilities for your trouble.
* Non fusion of the bones. Fusion surgery is done to prevent pain because of arthritic painful joints, where the adjoining bones to the painful joint are roughened & fused - this avoids movement of the joint & so the pain.
To allow the fusion of the bones, post operative care - in
form of non weight bearing on the operated foot is desired. Bed rest in first few days followed by movement with use of a crutches/ walking braces at least for first 6 months & starting with a stick/ foot slints support for a complete year , help in union of bones. Normal walking without support should not be unlimited any time.
. In case the above mentioned care along with dietary supplements for boney health( calcium/ vitamin D - as per doctor's advise)- it may lead to non fusion & pain Thus, displacement of one of the bone Which was fused- may cause such complaint.
* Boney spur formation- It is over growth of bone , following over stress/ friction & weight bearing at border of joints.

2. Self care- stop weight bearing till you get definite instructions
From your doctor.

- non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs available over
counter after food.
- take an appointment of your operating surgeon..
3. Your operating surgeon will examine you & get you investigated In this situation you may need investigations like Blood counts/ serum calcium & vitamin D levels/ Xray,MRI of the foot to find exact cause.
4.Treatment-It will depend on the cause found. It may contain
- anti inflammatory drugs or local injection of
steroids..
- Withdrawal/ addition of calcium & vitamin D
supplement.
-Change in supportive gadget while walking
- surgery.
- stop smoking.

I hope you found the answer informative & useful. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
Altered movements/ expert advise & treatment would help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for your follow up query.I am sorry to learn your sufferings by details provided therein.
In fusion surgeries movement of joint is sacrificed for pain relief & stability. So the recovery period after this surgery is long & difficult.
AS the follow up x ray after surgery confirms the fusion being successful.. the pain you have seems to be due to -
-Altered walking style-natural human tendency to avoid pressure on the operated part, & deviating body weight to the healthier part.. bringing about excessive stress & pain to healthier part. This is how I feel you started having pain at bottom of your foot to outer side & little toe.
- Involvement of nerves-The fused bone can press on the foot nerves & cause such pain./ same thing can some times happen by the screws used for fusion pressing on nerves.
- Arthritis-Arthritis of other foot joints may be caused by the stress during
movements.
Management needs to be done under expert guidance of foot orthopedic surgeon. It consists of -
-Review by the foot orthopedic surgeon for the exact cause of your pain/ assessment of muscular strength..
- X ray/ MRI to detect involvement of other parts of foot / healing of fusion surgery
Treatment -Depend on the cause. It can be- controlling arthritis of other joints ( Anti inflammatory pills/ Cortisones/calcium, vitaminD suppliments)
- removal of screws/ repositioning of bones - as per need.
-per cutaneous stimulation of nerves/Physiotherapy.
- Use of suitable shoes/ arch, foot supports ( orthotics)
- Reduction of weight.
- use of shoes / arch or foot supports ( orthotics)
I hope, the answer is both informative & helpful to you.The fusion is a surgery where motion is compromised for pain relief & stability. Naturally the recovery is long & hard. It depends on patient's adjustment in moving with fused joints without harming other body parts - with help of expert advise & supportive shoes & self helpI am sure you will be comfortable after few days of treatmentpositivity.

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