Plantar Fasciotomy

Well, I had to go back to walking with crutches. It’s not that I can’t put any weight on my left foot, but I have to control it. Both feet were bothering me. It would have been better if I’d just kept using the crutches while walking instead of going without them because I was limping something awful. It’s as if the crutches are more like canes in how I’m using them now – for support and weight bearing control.

My physical therapist suggested going back to the crutches because of the flareup in pain, severe limping, etc. Plus the excess pressure that has been on my right foot for the last six weeks has been hard. The plantar fasciitis in my right foot has really flared up.

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I am pleased to report that I am able to walk without the use of crutches! I am very happy about that!! It’s not a normal walk to be sure, but at least I can walk and even put all of my weight on one foot. This is really good progress. Today was another milestone in my recovery in that I was able to take a normal shower. THAT was awesome! I didn’t have to put a stool in the shower so that I could sit. I was able to stand the entire time. Whew!

My new physical therapist says that I am progressing well. She said I have really good range of motion. One thing that I believe helped me with that I would wiggle my toes and spread them apart even when I had the boot on after surgery. As soon as I was able to I would then flex my foot up and down. I didn’t want it to stiffen up. Guess it paid off.

One thing I notice about walking… I do not have a normal gait and it’s obvious that something is wrong with me. It reminds me of how I walked when my plantar fasciitis was really bad. I can tell it’s just part of the recovery and it’s not that I’m back to where I started. In two days I went from not being able to put full weight on my foot while taking two steps to being able to take several steps.

Now my low back is starting to bother me like it did when I was put on desk duty for the second time (I was a police officer). It gets messed up from not walking normally. But I’m sure it will get better as my foot continues to heal and my gait improves.

I have 10 days until surgery on my right foot. It sure is a good thing that I’m walking without assistance now. With the progress I’m making and with the improvements I see from day to day I’m confident that I’ll be ready for the second surgery. At least I know what to expect the second time around which will make it easier.

Now that I’ve reached the one month mark for plantar fasciotomy recovery in my left foot, future posts related to my left foot will be under “Recovery”. Recovery will be the long-term surgery result portion of this online journal.

I can’t wait to just get it over with, heal up and go hiking in the spring! A BIG thank you to my family, friends, clients and associates who have sent encouraging emails, cards, phone calls, prayers and posted on this blog. Your support, care, concern and love has truly been a blessing and encouragement to me throughout this entire process. Thank You!!

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Late this morning I went to my new physical therapist and met her for the first time. I am so glad I went to this new place. Just upon entering the establishment I felt better, it was more professional and I had complete confidence in each person who worked with me. What a relief!

I also took a few steps today. My surgery (left foot) was on August 12, 2008 and today is September 10, 2008. Just about a month later and I’m finally able to take a few steps. My fall last Wednesday set me back about a week – unfortunately. I have much more support when I have my tennis shoes on with the new custom orthotics. It makes a difference in stability and support which gives me the confidence to take a few steps.

My new physical therapist says that I am healing well. She did a lot of work on my foot today. Then another lady came in and did ultrasound and something else I’m not sure how to spell. It sounds like “laser”. That was done on the incision to help with scar tissue I believe.

I have to start massaging the incision area now. Sunday I found some exercises online that have helped me tremendously. Sunday I stopped doing the stretches the first physical therapist gave me because they made my feet swell and radiate heat. I’ve also been putting more stabilized liquid oxygen (O2 Plus) on my incision (two drops 3-4 times a day) and it’s really healing a lot faster. The dark area around the incision has also gone away. I just love natural remedies!

As I’m able I’ll post the exercises I’m doing that are working well for me. I will also post any resources I come upon that I have found helpful. I will only post what I have a personal experience with, not just what I heard is helpful. That way I can speak with knowledge. My hope is that my experiences will help many others in their recovery from plantar fasciitis.

Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor or licensed medical professional and no information on this site is meant to replace anything your doctor or licensed professional tells you. This is simply me sharing my personal experiece and as we all know results vary from person to person. This isn’t medical advice, but I do recommend seeking medical attention and care from a licensed professional.

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