Question
Any recommendations on at home therapy for continued pain after recovering from 2 modfied kidner procedures done to my feet?
History:  The the left foot was operated on October 2010 and the right foot on March 2013.  After the first operation "doc1" recommended at home therapy consisting of band assisted ankle exercises.  About October 2011 I was treated by "doc2" who recommended vigorous physical therapy consisting of band assisted exercises of varying tension, single leg strength and balance drills, non-impact cardio, and scar tissue massage.  I was making very slow progress for recovery due to the my occupation at the time required me to be on my feet a lot with added weight (military police).  Recovery slightly increased once doc2 got me a duty limiting letter to present to my supervision.  The letter prescribed to allow duty where I would be able to sit or rest my feet for xx amount of minutes so I recieved a desk job.  On September 2012 I injured my right foot and was recommended by doc2 to undergoes another modified kidner procedure with mitek anchor but it won't be until March 2013 to recieve the operation.  For the time being non intrusive treatment was conducted such as hard cast, walking boot with crunches, walking on walking boot and finally transitioning to bare/shoe walking.  I was going to normal physical therapy sessions but with the right foot included.  After the surgery I still have moderate to high pain from both operated areas and I short I was released from device because of this chronic pain issue.
Additonal information:  unknown credentials of both docs but doc2 did seem displeased with the lack of physical therapy for the first procedure.  I just got hired for a shipping company that requires me to be on my feet 8 hours a day without any rest or sitting until my lunch break.  Recently the pain from both operated areas a significantly increasing day after day and recently above my ankle between my calf and ankle joint.  I do have custom orthotic inserts for my shoes and taking meloxicam as needed.  A friend suggested the use of a soft ankle sleeve and/or ace bandage of my feet for compression for work.  Is the use of the sleeve and bandage advisable?

Thank you for you time and consideration after recieving and reading this lengthy message.

v/r
Frank

Answer
Dear Frank

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Ukranian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...

For your foot pain post Kidner procedure. Any supportive device, including ankle sleeves or Ace wrap may be beneficial. An excellent pair of orthotics fitted into the correct work boots may work better.If you're overweight,get to your optimum weight.
More recent studies show that the Kidner operation may work better with additional procedures that include some bone surgery to help "realign" the foot. There are different modifications to the Kidner & so it's not possible for me to comment on the surgery, since the exact procedures done are unknown.
Your best bet is to find someone who does revision surgery & get a consult from them. I'm not saying to have another surgery, but at least get an explanation that you can understand as to the cause of pain. Physical therapy may help, but the right procedure helps the most. Does not sound like your issues are due to lack of physical therapy. You need a fresh diagnosis.
Hope this helps & Good Luck!

The Chicago Podiatrists of http://anklenfoot.com/ are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago, Elmhurst & Bartlett. We welcome second opinions & are experts in revision surgery & chronic pain of the foot & ankle.

Dr George Tsatsos, Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Massard & Dr Kurtz
Chicago 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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