perplexed after foot surgery

[footpatient]

I recently have had a subtalr fusion surgery with repair to my achilles tendon that involved mving the flexor hallucis longus to support the damaged achilles. I am still non weight bearing (due to the fusion) but have been told to take my foot out from the CAM Walker boot to gently move my foot and my toes. I knew that moving the tendo would result in the first joint of the big toe to be unable to move. Here are my observations though post-operatively (with minimal swelling). 1st: none of my toes bend at the first joint, and 2nd: my big toe drifts under the next toe over when being moved and rests in that position. What would cause these new issues and should I tell my doctor? Thank you very much.

[lexi468]

Holy **** I must be blind,because for some reason I didn't see this post before....lol:)

   When you had your surgery,did they have to debreid(spelling?) you anterior&posterior tendon?

if so,how much thickening was there.....if I'm not being too nosy.If I am,I am sorry:(


lexi468

[footpatient]

I did talk to my doctor and he said that my issues are normal and they will resolve eventually when I am in the PT stage(whew!). Anyhow your post is very interesting...but requires a rather lengthy response. Well my path to the surgery is a rather long one. As a result of an accident I had to have a reconstruction of my foot because it essentially collapsed and lost stability. Part of the reconstruction included a lengthening of my achilles. After the normal amount of recovery I still complained to my doc that the achilles still was tight. Even my PT agreed. I had swelling, pain and a noticable bump which got larger. The first thing you'll want to check is your shoes before you try to get resolution. (if you haven't already done so). Poor fitting shoes can cause something called a pump bump which can mimic the signs of other achilles tendon abnormalities. I would be surprised if you told me you didn't have custom orthotics (heel lift) after you had the tear. Something as simple as a small heel lift takes off a considerable amount of pressure off the achilles if you didn't know. In my case I developed calcaneal bone spurs at the insertional spot of the achilles which were tearing small chunks of my tendon causing a good bit of pain. It was the radiographic evidence of these spurs getting larger and the bump growing that strengthened my case (not all bone spurs are viewed as being problematic in the medical world). We tried the boot thing and other less invasive attempts at fixing the problem. I am aware of the ultrasound technique but didn't have that because he already had to go in for my subtalar fusion because of the arthritic change that I got tired of dealing with. Be forwarned that surgery on the achilles is not foolproof and does not guarantee permanent relief. There is a fine balance between lengthening too much, treating tendonitis or tendonosis, or there being too much tension. Ask yourself if the pain is causing your lifestyle to change in a manner that does not give you the quality of life you want/need. If yes, then find another doctor that will give you an objective second opinion. I recommend seeing an orthopedist that is certified by AOFAS (kind of like the Ivy league of foot surgeons). These Docs have a even more specialized training than your run of the mill orthopedists. Secondly insist that your doctor orders an MRI specifically to evaluate your achilles..this will tell you if you have additional tearing that needs to be addressed. (Remember when the achilles tears and is damaged the scar tissue is much like "dead" tissue in that it does not function the way it should). I hope this helps and best of luck. you don't have to live "stuck in pain"

[LLWB]

I am curious about your surgery. I had a partial tear to my achilles tendon over a year ago. I wore a boot for 6 weeks. Since then, it has never been right. I have pain, and can't walk long distances. There is a definite lump on the tendon, and swelling along it. What caused you to have to have this surgery? I hope you don't mind me asking. And yes, tell your doctor. Any differences from pre-surgery would be important to tell your doctor. I may be just from being in the cast, but you'll know from talking with your doctor.  What type doctor did your surgery? My foot doctor wanted to use an ultrasound to break up my lump, but my insurance wouldn't pay for it, considered it experimental. So I'm stuck in pain!

[CuriousDaughter]

My mother had foot surgery about 12 years ago.  She had her foot broke in two different places to straighten it out.  They put bolts in these places and now she says it feels and looks like one of them are coming out.  Is there any option besides having the surgery over again?