Question
Hi.  I am very scared.  My arch was crushed in late July during a car accident.  Surgery was performed 1 week later.  At my first follow up visit everything was fine.  I was in a hard cast.  The doctor extended the cast for another 4 weeks.  After that, he was angry because I hadn't been able to stay off the foot very much.  He said that it would be swollen for a year.  There are lots of tiny pins inside, but none were broken.  So what symptoms should I look for to determine whether or not the foot is healing?  Also, what is the typical recovery time for an injury like this? I am afraid of losing my foot. Thank you.

Answer
Miya,

It is difficult to determine healing after an injury.  I would really have to see you and examine your foot and x-rays.  
The bottom line is that you need to communicate with the surgeon that did your surgery.  If you are not satisfied I would seek a second and even third opinion.
Foot injuries can lead to long-term swelling and pain and your foot may never be perfect.  However, it would be rare to lose the foot.

Hope all goes well.

Marc Katz, DPM
Advanced Podiatry
Tampa, FL
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com