topic Advice in Community Chat

Advice

theresa — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:34:47 GMT

I haven't posted in awhile....looking for input friends..I had 2 complex foot surgeries within the past year. My left foot also needs correction (bunion and hammertoe) but not doing that one until my right foot heals. My right foot involved a mtp fusion, plantar plate tear 2nd toe and the revision included removing hardware, straightening out first toe again, and hammertoe arthrodesis on toes 3/4. I was referred to this surgeon from my retired podiatrist and told by many other Drs he is one of the top in the country. I know there is just so much a Dr can do.

In the meantime, I've had 3 meniscus surgeries (right knee) before this and a back fusion about 4 years ago. I'm not old - went for other opinions prior to committing to these surgeries so I felt I made the right decision.

My last back MRI was last year and it was normal. Knee MRI didn't show significant changes and I'm not bone on bone. I've been told foot surgery can take 1 year to recover but I feel something in my right leg and lower sacrum is not right.

I can't go to PT because none of these Drs are prescribing it. I've been back to my PCP and knee ortho explained my issues. I'm not a medication person but my PCP approved my resuming meloxicam which I have done for the past 3 days which has improved the pain level. I don't know what to do. All I do is go for these follow ups and get "give this time". My last foot revision was done 3/18/26. Yes, cosmetically it looks better but my foot feels like I'm walking on a rock barefoot. Podiatrist gave me OTC orthotics which help but I'm wearing an IT band strap above my right knee.

If there are any medical professionals here, any input is welcome.

Re: Advice

Janey2 — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:10:03 GMT

I am not a medical professional but I have heard stories like yours. Follow your gut. If you think something is wrong and have pain see another doctor. If you live near a big hospital call and see who is head of the department you need and make an appointment. Good luck

Re: Advice

wagirl — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:15:29 GMT

You poor girl!! You have been thru the ringer! I have to agree with the first poster--if you know something is wrong--find another dr.

My story is not as involved or complicated as yours--- I broke my right ankle tripping when my flip flop got tangled up in the wide leg yoga pants I had on--fell forward and heard that dreadful crack--was pretty bad as any break is . Had surgery to repair it and did have p/t when I could-- it healed up after many months and I could walk fine except it still hurt around my ankle to the outside of my foot where the pins and rod is. Went back to my surgeon prob 4x ---got xrays taken--nothing was out of place. Continued to ache so finally looked up a foot dr who wanted MRI taken and found there was bone/cartlige fragmants floating around in there. Not huge bits just teeny ones--normal for my surgery but they were causing my issues. He said he could take them out with a day surgery--would be in a boot for 6 weeks--the best thing--there was a legit problem and I wasn't crazy!!! Haven't done that yet as my ankle/foot has calmed down. Anyway--trust your gut ------You shouldn't have to live thru all that if it can be remedied.

Re: Advice

Shelbelle — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:37:37 GMT

JT is constantly every shoe show she hosts mentioning her hammer toe and her bunions.

Re: Advice

Shelbelle — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:31:41 GMT

Be careful taking Meloxicam for too long, check your BP if it tends to run high. Sounds like you need a new opinion from another foot and ankle specialist, so sorry this is happening to you.

Re: Advice

Imaoldhippie — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:49:58 GMT

I believe you need a second opinion. Try to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.

Re: Advice

cindyNC — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 16:15:07 GMT

I have no advice, but I think you are a brave woman to go thru all these surgeries. Like others said, follow your gut.

Re: Advice

RedTop — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:54:33 GMT

Morton's neuroma is the foot condition that feels like you have a rock in your shoe. I have it and what works for me is always wearing good support shoes. As soon as I get out of bed, my feet slip into a good solid shoe; no flip flops or shoes without a firm rubber sole.

I think a big part of your answer is in the fact you have had 2 complex foot surgeries within a year. There is a lot of inflammation inside your foot that only meds and time will heal. A relative had total knee replacement 3 weeks ago. The ortho surgeon reminded her she still had inflammation in that joint from a procedure done last fall and adding more inflammation from this big surgery was definitely going to increase her pain and discomfort. Faced with the issues you have described, I personally would relax and give myself more time to heal. Absolutely consult a doctor if your issues worsen, but I don't think you have given yourself enough time to fully heal. Wishing you better days ahead!

Re: Advice

theresa — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:27:46 GMT

it’s not that easy getting another Dr to see you after you have been operated on by another surgeon

Re: Advice

theresa — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:01:40 GMT

The problem with getting other opinions is they usually use the same portal. What if my current surgeon finds out and dumps me as a patient? I’ve seen it happen to people. I’m going to see how this months appt goes and take it from there. I know it’s a complex surgery part of me is saying I’m impatient but another part is saying something isn’t right. I just can’t imagine getting operated on this foot a 3rd time

Re: Advice

DJP — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:10:46 GMT

I take Meloxicam for my sciatica and was taking Advil daily. When I told my doctor this she said not to use both meds.

Re: Advice

theresa — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:29:09 GMT

@Shelbelle a ligament tear is more severe than a bunion and hammertoe plus Jane walks miles despite her foot issues

Re: Advice

Shelbelle — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:30:42 GMT

@theresa wrote:
@Shelbellea ligament tear is more severe than a bunion and hammertoe plus Jane walks miles despite her foot issues

Yes, for sure. Never take or use more than one NSAID, I use Voltaren gel daily on my arthritic knee so no Advil. or Meloxicam for me. I get the most relief from the gel, I can take Tylenol with the gel. And no NSAIDS if you are on blood thinners.

Re: Advice

sens — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 23:43:29 GMT

you might want to ask for an X-ray or scan on your foot to make sure not chipped or if scar tissue issues from surgery . Your primary care provider should be able to give you a referral, for physical therapy for your feet and legs - at pt they would also check to make sure that your legs are even . Good luck to you !

Re: Advice

theresa — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:46:38 GMT

@sens my foot surgeon has been taking X-rays at all follow ups. He declined PT for this revision surgery. Last year I went to PT and developed a stress fracture. He felt some of the exercises were too aggressive. I never knew how delicate toes are and foot surgery is one of the hardest. Thanks for your input. I can’t wait for my appointment in a couple of weeks.

Re: Advice

theresa — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:47:40 GMT

@Shelbelle yes I know never take more than 1 NSAID

Re: Advice

theresa — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:11:12 GMT

@lmapldhippie do you mean foot ortho or regular orthopedic?

Re: Advice

RetRN — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:13:19 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
JT is constantly every shoe show she hosts mentioning her hammer toe and her bunions.

I wonder why she doesn't have Dr. Nick fix them. She acts like they are buds when he is on with his Revitalign.

Re: Advice

AuntG — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:42:53 GMT

I have no advice, but you certainly have my sympathy. There has to be better treatment than you are receiving.

Re: Advice

Shelbelle — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:34:03 GMT

@RetRN wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
JT is constantly every shoe show she hosts mentioning her hammer toe and her bunions.
I wonder why she doesn't have Dr. Nick fix them.. She acts they are buds when he is on with his Revitalign.

I know she has repeatedly said that Dr Nick is the one who disgnosed her issues, she has been to his office in Philly.