I started with painful bunions about ten years ago, but because of other more serious health problems which followed, decided to leave them. Over the last year, however, I started to have very painful, burning shins during the night after exercising or working a nursing shift. Because of my past medical history, I was sent for an X Ray and Bone Scan where the staff recommended that I see Mr. Zubairy as the pain could be associated with my feet. It was explained to me that because of the angle of the toes, I was walking badly to compensate and this could eventually cause knee and hip problems. I was given plenty of information about possible surgery and the opportunity to ask questions regarding the operation and aftercare.
I had my right foot corrected in March 2009. I chose to have a spinal anaesthetic which was a good decision as it can avoid the after effects following a general. I remained in hospital overnight and the following morning the physiotherapist gave me a special shoe and explained the use of crutches and how to go up and down stairs. It is very important to rest, elevate the foot and use ice packs over the following few days. Pain relief was only needed for 3-4 days and the ankle block used during the operation was very effective.
After two weeks the large, padded dressing was removed and a bandage applied to keep the tendons stretched so they did not pull the big toe out of line. After this, I started taking more walks and soon began swimming again. It is important to continue wearing the special shoe to stop the toes from bending and to use the crutches for weight bearing or balance. At this stage I found that the muscles at the back of my legs ached because of the shoe making me walk differently. Walking is very beneficial as it encourages bone growth and so helps healing.
After six weeks the shoe and the crutches were cast off and over the following weeks, I found that, although the foot was still swollen, I could walk without the shin pain experienced previously. Comfortable, wide footwear is essential for a few months after the surgery.
After I returned from a walking and cycling holiday I decided to have the left toe corrected too. I am glad to have had them done separately as it was much easier to balance and mobilise. I also experienced a bruised feeling under the toes as I started to use the foot normally, but this gradually wore off as the swelling went down over a few weeks. It probably took about five to six months for the foot to return to normal size.
The second operation also went well and the only change of routine was that the dressing was left on for four weeks instead of two. I had found that a small area of the incision had opened slightly on the first foot after two weeks so this was to protect the area to allow healing.
I am now six weeks on from the second operation and am pleased to report that this has also been a great success.
I am very grateful to Mr Zubairy and his excellent team for all their care and support.
I had my right foot corrected in March 2009. I chose to have a spinal anaesthetic which was a good decision as it can avoid the after effects following a general. I remained in hospital overnight and the following morning the physiotherapist gave me a special shoe and explained the use of crutches and how to go up and down stairs. It is very important to rest, elevate the foot and use ice packs over the following few days. Pain relief was only needed for 3-4 days and the ankle block used during the operation was very effective.
After two weeks the large, padded dressing was removed and a bandage applied to keep the tendons stretched so they did not pull the big toe out of line. After this, I started taking more walks and soon began swimming again. It is important to continue wearing the special shoe to stop the toes from bending and to use the crutches for weight bearing or balance. At this stage I found that the muscles at the back of my legs ached because of the shoe making me walk differently. Walking is very beneficial as it encourages bone growth and so helps healing.
After six weeks the shoe and the crutches were cast off and over the following weeks, I found that, although the foot was still swollen, I could walk without the shin pain experienced previously. Comfortable, wide footwear is essential for a few months after the surgery.
After I returned from a walking and cycling holiday I decided to have the left toe corrected too. I am glad to have had them done separately as it was much easier to balance and mobilise. I also experienced a bruised feeling under the toes as I started to use the foot normally, but this gradually wore off as the swelling went down over a few weeks. It probably took about five to six months for the foot to return to normal size.
The second operation also went well and the only change of routine was that the dressing was left on for four weeks instead of two. I had found that a small area of the incision had opened slightly on the first foot after two weeks so this was to protect the area to allow healing.
I am now six weeks on from the second operation and am pleased to report that this has also been a great success.
I am very grateful to Mr Zubairy and his excellent team for all their care and support.