Penny Birts is 62 and lives in London. Penny developed acute tendonitis in her feet and ankles and came to the London Foot and Ankle Centre for treatment. Clinical Director Mark Davies carried out complex surgery which involved decompressing the affected nerves, replacing the tendon in her tibialis posterior, tightening her instep and correcting a bunion.
Describe your foot problem
It started around February 2007 when I would feel pain in my foot after playing tennis or walking any distance. The rheumatologist I saw said I should see a podiatrist. But the problem became worse and by the summer I could hardly walk. It was so bad that I nearly had to leave a trolley full of shopping in the supermarket because the pain was so awful. As I walked, my right foot rolled inwards and felt as if it was going to collapse.
How did you feel straight after surgery?
I can’t say that I was ever in much pain. During the operation, I was given a pain-killer which numbed my whole leg. As it wore off, it felt a little uncomfortable, but never really painful. I was amazed, because given the scale of the surgery, I expected to feel a lot more pain. I spent three nights in hospital before going home.
Six weeks to three months
I was really pleased to reach the stage when the plastercast came off and was replaced by the Aircast boot. At first, I’d wear it all day, taking it off only at night. I started going to physiotherapy twice a week to gradually weight-bear. Initially, I felt very vulnerable when I took off the Aircast boot. But I was thrilled to be able to walk without being in pain, little by little. I would walk as far as I could, then if I felt pain or swelling, put the Aircast boot back on. By eight weeks after the operation, I started driving again. I remember at first, my foot felt hard, but the more I mobilised and used my foot, it softened and felt increasingly normal.
Three months and beyond
After about three months, I gave up my Aircast boot. By six months, I was feeling really thrilled with the results of my surgery. I found support tights were a great help to reduce mild swelling and Bio-oil was fantastic to help the healing of the scars. I still wear trainers most of the time because I find them comfortable. My foot lets me know if I have ever done too much, but I’m able to walk for a considerable time and distance without any pain, which is wonderful.
What would your advice be to anyone considering this type of surgery?
Foot surgery has really improved my whole quality of life. I’ve been amazed at how quickly I recovered from surgery and how I didn’t really experience much pain. I’d say follow your surgeon’s instructions very carefully and you will need to work hard with your physiotherapist. You are not off your feet for very long and you know that in the long term, it will be worthwhile. I’m thrilled to be able to walk without pain and to start doing things that I enjoyed before the foot pain started.
