Hi Fellow Bloggers,
I am in WK 6, NWB, and have been struggling all week. I have burning pain on the outside of my ankle and the top of my foot. When I say outside it is the side NOT facing the other leg. The burning is inside my leg, like my blood is gasoline on fire. It is worse at night. During the day(I have my foot up most of the day on a chair), it still hurts but, because I am busy I guess I don’t notice it as much.After 2 nights of 30 minute cat naps I gave up and took a percocet. Knocked me out and then the pain woke me up anyway. So I was groggy and in pain. It felt better yesterday (during the day) but last night was horrible. When I took a shower this morning I noticed a lump on the outside of the ankle that is tender and appears to be the source of pain. I am guessing the boot is pressing on the outside of my ankle at night ((left leg and I sleep on my left side).
I called the ortho tech about taking the boot off for a while and she said no more than 30 minutes at a time (mine actually tore in two places). She also said if it really hurts bad come on in and let the doc look at it.
Unless I am crying in pain I don’t think “it really hurts bad”. I don’t want to be a wimp but your thoughts comments and experiences will help.
Thanks
Leo
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July 31st, 2008 at 11:28 am - Edit
Hi man,
you are not the only one I am also 6 weeks post OP I just came back from the doc yesterday and he told me it’s ok to take my boot off when not walking I noticed the outside part of my foot was actually numb and swollen I tried massaging but it hurts like ants on fire crawling all over it. Try to keep the foot elevated and ice it if recommended by your doctor. Take care man we are almost there 1 day at the time
Alex
July 31st, 2008 at 11:35 am - Edit
Hi Leo, I had the exact same problem with burning pain on the outside of my foot on top. It seems that the first cast post-op was improperly applied and there was significant compression on the nerves on the top of my foot. The second cast after that had a large lump on the inside at the same area which left me badly bruised. The pain was fierce and medication did not help. It has now been almost four weeks since the last bad cast was replaced with a good one. The pain is gone but I still have nerve damage all over the top of my foot and have no feeling along the surface skin of the entire right half of my right foot including the pinkie toe. The doctor is hopeful that it will correct itself with time as long as there is no more compression of the nerves. Do everything you can to keep the side of the foot that hurts up while you are sitting so that there is no pressure in that area, and if you can remove the boot for a while go ahead and do that. I am 7 weeks post-op and in fibreglass for another 3 weeks yet so I don’t have that option. Anyway, it sounds like nerve compression is your problem so do what you can to keep the pressure off. It took almost two weeks after the cast change for the burning to go away. Hopefully it won’t take that long for you since you can take off the boot. Good luck.
July 31st, 2008 at 1:19 pm - Edit
Hi Leo,
I have the same burning pain on the outside of my right ankle, but no burning on top of foot. I also have the “lump” in the area of the burning which I believe to be swelling from whatever is causing the burning. My pain is also worse at night or when I take the boot off. Gentle pressure massaging has helped somewhat and icing, as well.
When I saw doc at 8 wk post-op, on Tuesday he said try walking in shoes with crutches because he thought that the pain might be pressure from the boot. I have the same pain in shoes and the pain actually seems worse in the shoes.
My pain is relieved at when I sleep, — I don’t have to sleep in the boot. I sleep on my left side, so the painful right ankle is up. During the day I have been making an effort to not rest my booted foot on the right side of the pillow or couch, etc. I think that irritates the area.
You are not alone– burning comes with the territory
July 31st, 2008 at 2:17 pm - Edit
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the advice. The doc called and, as you have commented, probably nerve damage and it will heal itself over time. He also told me he gave me pain pills and I should be taking them more regularly, as that will keep me off my feet (and not working so much). He also said elevation, with ice, above my head will help.
I am numb, as all of you are, but it hurts if I touch it.
How long do you think the burning lasts?
I am in the boot and not a cast, thankfully, as I can take it off now and then for a shower and a little air. I actually tore mine in two places so the doc really wants no mobility for a full 8 weeks.
Thanks All
Leo
August 11th, 2009 at 7:09 pm - Edit
Hi Leo,
I am 3 weeks post op and also have the burning pain on the outside of my foot. I thought it was the boot rubbing, as the pain felt as though it were a blister. I had my second post op appointment yesterday and asked the Doc about it. He told me that it was the nerves and that it is all normal and all part of the healing process.
I too am NWB and most likely will be for another 3 weeks. My tendon was shredded an and doc had to go “fishing” for it.
Good Luck with your recovery.
Jane