Physio Advice For Post Surgery First Metatarsal Break and Dislocation...

[ttmwttmw]

I've had surgery (end of August) to put screws plates and a k-wire to secure a break and dislocation of the first metatarsal, i waited for that to heal up and then i went in again on the mid November for the K-wire to be taken out.

Now all that's sorted and i've had a check up to check everything's ok after surgery, i was told i'd be referred to physio to help with movement etc. As it's Christmas though, nothing's come through yet and it'll be way after Christmas until i get any news i should think, so i was wondering if there's anything i can do in the mean time?

The doctor's said all the bones have had maximum time to heal but i'm still being cautious because i don't want to make anything worse without speaking to anyone first.

Is it possible for me to start doing stretches or exercises, will it do any harm? and if not, what should i be doing?

Thanks in advance for any replies, i really want to get moving properly again!

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[sarahkelly]

Its been almost 4 months since your surgery now, what can you not do? as in, what are your goals/reasons for going to physio?

[ttmwttmw]

Yeah surgery's been about 4 months, after that i wasn't allowed to put any weight on it up until about 2 weeks before my second surgery, then only '50%' weight on it until after the k-wire removal. I'm still walking with a limp, and just don't feel confident it will hold i suppose.

I'm guessing there's no real muscle or anything supporting my foot after that length of time, so don't want to cause another injury just because i'm rushing it (if that's possible).

I'd like to be able to run again ideally as i used to do a lot of running. So that's my goal currently but i'd just like to know if i can start to do any stretches or exercises, or if there's any reason why i shouldn't without seeing my physio first.

I think it's just a lack of being told by anyone what i'm allowed to do and not to do, and whats expected and not expected.

[sarahkelly]

If you're not in any pain, why are you limping? Because you were told to partially weight-bear initially and kept it going?

[ttmwttmw]

I'm getting better by concentrating on walking as i used to but i rwally have to focus becasue it's been that long since i walked properly. The only time i do get any pain is when i'm going down steps and i step down with my good foot, and my bad foot is left behind on a higher level... if i take it slow it's ok, but as soon as i forget or go a little faster, i get reminded by sharp pain.

[sarahkelly]

Perhaps going-up on your tippy-toes, good leg first, then bad and hold that position (with surface nearby to hold-on) to gently strengthen the foot between now and your physio appointment may help with the stairs issue and do try and walk down the stairs normally rather than good leg first if possible.
That's really good you've identified the stairs as a problem, you should try and make a note of other activities that are affected by it before your physio appointment so that they'll be able to help you to get back to running again.