Small Improvements

I saw the doctor yesterday as a follow-up to the strapping she did two weeks ago, which was to see if an orthotic in my shoe would help the pain I've been having in the ball of the big toe joint.

The answer is yes.

So I was 'casted' for orthotics and they should be in within three weeks, which is when my next appointment is scheduled.

We also discussed the pretty painful heel I get when driving. I cannot rest my foot on my heel while the foot is on the gas pedal. I look forward to places I can use cruise-control so that I can move my weight off my heel. She ordered a silicone heel cup which hopefully will ease some of that sensitivity.

I am still compensating when I walk or stand. She had to keep reminding me to put weight equally on both feet while we stood and talked. It's partially habit but mostly triggered by the discomfort/pain I am still experiencing in the foot.

I am able to to do weight-bearing heel raises but will never have the range of lift of the other foot, even when back to full strength. I still have to think about my mechanics when walking so that I don't automatically roll off the the outside of my foot (which puts pressure and torque on the tendon). I am a work in progress on coming down stairs - still a lot of pain in the tendon and toe areas, but again those supposedly will work themselves out over time with use.

I have two weeks of PT left scheduled and the doctor said not to schedule any more, as I should be able to be discharged as of our next appointment on the 12th. She also said that that appointment would mark the end of the treatment protocol for the surgery.

Hm-m-m. I'm still unable to walk without pain, the foot and ankle are still swollen and balloon up whenever I'm on my feet for more than an hour, and the fused joint and toe bones are still very painful. This is the end of treatment? I'm supposed to be able to go on and function normally in my life like this? Hm-m-m.

Hopefully, the orthotic devices that go in my shoes will help with a lot of this. Hopefully.

I'm not happy with the severe swelling and random pain that I still have in the heel area that occurs with any usage. We just started ultrasound therapy on that to see if we can work that out. Luckily, I'll be able to get all six treatments in before I run out of PT appointments.

I'm pretty happy with where the tendon is. As far as recovery, it's pretty much on track and seems to be improving. Some backsliding occurs but the fact that I was able to go to a dog show this past weekend and compete and not have any major repercussions is good (altho I didn't walk 'properly' when in the ring since I wanted not to have to think about that while handling my dog).

Even better is that I was on it all day Tuesday when my friend came out to work ducks and it got tired but never sore. It didn't even flare up or stiffen up that evening after I sat down for the day. So that is a huge sign of improvement.

But then on Wednesday it was more swollen than it had ever been (and still is pretty puffy even now). And this morning it is kinda ouchy and stiff. Not like it has been but I sure can't do my PT exercises right now.

I guess I'm hesitant to say that I feel I'm ready to be discharged. I just kinda feel like I'm being tossed out to sea with a very small life preserver and will have to sink or swim on my own.

I will continue with my exercises here at home and finish up my scheduled PT. Hopefully the orthotics and time will fix my other issues. And keep an open mind until I see the doctor in two and a half weeks. A lot can change in that time. I'm hoping so anyway.