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Gastroc recession

Discussion in 'Ask your questions here' started by JennyPenny, Sep 3, 2008.

  1. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest


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    I had this procedure done a week and a half ago. Expect a lot of pain during the recovery. I had a block for the first three days and that was great. After it wore off, I had pain like a severe charlie horse in my calf whenever I held it vertical. If it is elevated, the pain subsides somewhat. Expect to lay on the couch for two weeks and do nothing!!!!
     
  2. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I had my gastroc repair done on 8/6/10. Walking boot two weeks. Just got staples out today and the go ahead for walking as tolerated out of the boot. I did ice frequently for the first 8-10 days which made a huge difference in the amount of pain medication needed. I alternated motrin and tylenol round the clock from 3rd day until about 8th day. Used vicodin for first 48 hours or so. Yes, it was a lot of laying around and I'm getting a bit of swelling on the outside of ankle if I'm up for too long. Incision is about 2 inches, steri-strips for a couple more days. I have had great luck with another incision using a scar therapy cream and it is on the inside edge of leg so not really that noticable. Slight dent just above incision but it was where the boot pressed in, I'm confident it will improve as the strength comes back. Procedure was on a Friday and I worked the following week but kept foot up as much as possible and had my ice pack that I could slide down inside the boot. I can not say enough about ice!! I had an ace wrap as well which was the most annoying because it would bunch up a little on top of my ankle. Sleeping with foot up was most comfortable but I'm walking today in normal shoes. Walking is slow but it was like walking on dagers before teh surgery so I'll take slow. It feels odd in a shoe now and I'm anxious to see ongoing improvement but I have absolutely NONE of the horrible pain I was dealing with before. This was a decsision after more than 5 years of PT, shots and various inserts which were costly, and never, never walking barefoot or in sandles. I'm finding that I will not need any of the arch supports that were previously prescribed. I was given home stretches to increase as comfort increases but I'm here to say the pain before the surgery was so much worse than any of what has gone on since the surgery. I hope this helps anyone contemplating the procedure. With anything there are risks but make sure you have a qualified doctor that has done the procedure on many patients. Ask lots of questions and find out what that doctors success rate from patients has been. Happy in Michigan.
     
  3. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    After suffering with sever pain in both my heels for the past 2 years, I had a Gastroc recession done on my right leg in late May. My intent is to get the left leg done in the fall. However, I am not convinced the surgery was successful in eliminanting the heel pain as I was led to believe. I spent 2 weeks on crutches with a boot, and then approximately 6 weeks walking in a boot. It has now been 3 months, and I am still experiencing swelling in my right leg, tightness, and pain in my heel. The pain in not currenlty as intense in my right heel as in my left heel, however, it is enough to queston the sucess of the surgery. I am a runner and triathlete, and currently I cannot walk distances without discomfort and pain, let alone run. I am seeking other advise as I am not totally satisfied with my surgeons ongoing advise, which is "give it time". I would welcome other comments from those who have had severe heel pain and the course of action taken.
     
  4. alewisdvm

    alewisdvm Guest

    Hello all,
    I am a 34 year old male. I have been suffering with flatfeet for a few years. My left foot seems to tolerate and feel good with just about any orthotic I use.
    Unfortunately, almost every orthotic I use (2 from podiatrist and 1 from a "foot solutions" company) I continue to have a lot of pressure in the arch area and I would say discomfort. I would love to exercise (some) even a little jogging, but it is just not possible with an uncomfortable orthotic. I can't even walk for a long distance carrying my 2 year old daughter.
    My podiatrist is pretty convinced due to the lack of dorsoflexion in the leg, ongoing issues, and lack of comfort with the orthotic, that I am a good candidate for teh gastroc recession.
    Very curious (ALL COMMENTS WELCOME) about the "typical" post-operative recovery.
    I intend to be out of work for about 7 days, work a day, and then out for a few more.
    I am not having any other foot work done. Just the gastroc recession.

    questions include:
    1. If able to elevate my foot every so often, is it reasonable to return to work in about 1 week?
    2. For how long are you on crutches?
    3. How long in the CAM boot? My podiatrist will not be doing any cast. I will go straight into the CAM boot.
    4. Can you drive! I guess many drive with their left foot?

    Thanks
     
  5. FootDoc

    FootDoc New Member

    Okay . . Here's MY comment which I will take you at your word will be welcomed:
    For GOD'S sake man. You can't get a realistic picture of what a "typical" post-operative course is like from a potpourri of anecdotes from one-time experiencers. What matters is what YOUR doctor's patient's post-operative experiences have been like. If you have chosen a doctor whom you do not trust to give you a realistic picture of what his/her patient's post-operative experiences have been, then perhaps you chose the wrong doctor.
     
  6. alewisdvm

    alewisdvm Guest

    Hello,
    No concerns at all with my current podiatrist. I was curious if there was any paritcular typical course of recovery to expect. I did talk with my podiatrist who clarified.

    My greater question is regarding the use of the gastroc slide for people with flat feet where the foot simply will not "accomodate" the new orthotic. I have gone through 3 orthotic molds, with some adjustments and lowering of the arch area to try and get the orthotic comfortable, but no luck.

    No plantar fascititis, no current ankle issues, but the pressure on the arch from the orthotic is just a little uncomfortable.
    So, even without the above issues, is a gastroc release a good procedure in this situation?
    Or, even with the gastroc slide, am I going to feel pressure in the arch area with the orthotic?
    Thank you
     
  7. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I had this surgery done 8/19/2010....was in the walking cast up until the end of September. My ortho dr didn't have me go for physical therapy cause he doesn't really believe in it. So needless to say i have no muscle tone or strength in my right leg at all cause i was in the boot. I was cleaning one day and felt a pop in my leg...went to see the dr and he thought that i just tore some scar tissue. Told me to wear a shoe now and that i would be fine to walk. Later that night i was going to meet up with friends and when i went out to my car i feel down about 5 stairs. Hurt my leg again...but this time i couldnt even walk on it or put any pressure on my leg. I ended up having to take a an ambulance to the er..where they told me not to weight bear until i saw the ortho. I went the following day and they said they thought i had a bad sprain...the dr i saw asked me how long i have been in physical therapy and i told him my surgeon never had me do therapy...he said that i have a long road ahead of me...i just started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and i am told i have until Feb to be healed...maybe even longer...If i ever knew that things would be like this i would have NEVER had this done! But the surgeon said that it was a simple and easy procedure. That was a lie....i can't do alot of things now...and i have to wear the walking cast half a day for several weeks!
     
  8. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Can anyone help me. Was playing badminton tonight and tore a muscle in my right leg going for a shot. Pain was very sudden and I was worried I'd torn a tendon. On visiting the walk-in (or hop-in) centre and was told it was Gastoc........ something or other. Does anyone know how long I can suspect to be off work? How long before I might be able to play badminton again? etc. Any physio idea, etc?

    Many thanks

    Michael
     
  9. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I have twin 9 year olds that have this surgery scheduled for the exact reasons you state in a month. How did it go? Is he doing better? How was recovery? Did he go to school with the casts? Did he stay overnight?
     
  10. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    A gastroc recession was performed as part of a flat foot reconstruction. In my case, proceedure did not cause any problems or complicatons. Then again, the process of going from NWB to partial weight and full weight bearing was slow. It took 3 weeks to be able to fwb which gave me the chance to slowly build the muscles and stamina needed. I have no residulal weakness from the gastroc recession. Each person is different as is the technique performed by the doctor so my results may not be the same as yours
     
  11. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am a 38 year old female who had gastroc recession done on both legs one week ago today for severe plantar fasciitis. I developed plantar fasciitis about a year ago while pregnant. I had tried the stretching, physical therapy and shots. Nothing seemed to make the pain go away. So, after much discussion with my doctor, I decided to try the surgery. Very quick outpatient surgery. I had to elevate my legs for 72 hours, but could be full weight bearing from day 1 with my walking boots. Although, the only walking I did was to and from the bathroom for 3 days. It is very awkward to wear those darn boots. I am now up and moving around pretty good a week after surgery. The pain was not bad - only took the pain pills for the first couple of days for fear of being in pain - not that I actually was. If I do over stretch my calves (which has happened when I lose my balance in those lovely boots), it does hurt. I have to wear the boots for 2 weeks. I will then get the staples out (9 in each calf) and will be able to go right to my tennis shoes. My doctor has not mentioned physical therapy, but I had such a bad experience with PT for my plantar fasciitis, I will be hesitant. (I ended up in the hospital for 3 days with rhabdomyalysis (sp) and then sprained my ankle as the PT was way too aggressive). My only complaint as of right now is the boots. I hate them. They make my legs sweat terribly. I have a hard time keeping my balance and have been homebound for a week. You cannot drive with them at all which meant I could not go to work the second week as originally planned. I also live in Michigan where there is snow and ice. Not a good combo with walking boots. I have read the few bad outcomes on here and am really hoping that this was the right decision. I have a 7 month old and a 4 year old and would love to run and play with them as they grow. Good luck to everyone!!
     
  12. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Hi everyone, I'm emailing from the UK. I had the Gasroc op on my left foot in Sept 2010 and I was off work for 2 months, but I believe its been worth it. I knew this operation was experimental, but I've suffered with flat feet all my life (I'm now 55 years old) and the past 5 years has been agony to walk also the associated problems of bad back, very tight achilles tendons etc. Podiatrists provided inserts for my shoes etc and I had exercises to do, but all to no avail. I then saw a consultant surgeon who advised this operation because my quality of life was seriously impaired and I was developing arthritis in my feet, which is not good! I was in plaster for 7 weeks (non weight baring at all - apart from when I fell and landed on my bad foot, which I woudn't recommend)! Once the plaster was removed, I started to put weight on my foot (with a walking sticks) and I'm going to Physio. It's still tender but my foot is getting stronger every week - its essential to continue with the exercises as they strenthen the tendons and muscles in your feet. I can't wait to have my other foot done, my quality of life if much better and I'm planning to do a half marathon to support my friend in her fight against Non Hodgkyns Lymphoma - my problems are nothing compared to hers! So I count my blessings and I'm thankful that there are very clever people in the world who can help people like us. Chin up guys, all will be well and you'll be scooting around like a 10 year old soon! With best wishes to everyone who's going through the same.
     
  13. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Update: It has been about 2 months since my surgery and I am completely pain free. I am still working on regaining the strength in my calves. I find stairs and inclines a little challenging. But, I have to say I am glad that I had it done. I love going barefoot again. I am hoping that by summer, I will be getting around like I used to.
     
  14. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I am scheduled for this surgery on March 14th. I have had cronic pain in my left foot for about 16 years. I have had 5 neuroma excisions - two on the bottom and three on the top. A neuroma was found each time. MRI now shows no neuroma and I still have the same pain. I have seen pain specialists - trying meds, a special injection, lytocaine compound, acupuncture. Nothing helps. The only thing I know is that, with a cortisone shot, the lytocaine in the shot makes the pain go away for as long as the medication lasts (an hour or so), so the pain can be stopped that way, but it isn't a feasible solution. My foot hurts if I put a shoe on - even a sock. My doc thinks this surgery, though no guarantee, may bring a resolution. He noted that I have less than 5% deflection in my foot and thinks the constant pressure over my toe area may be contributing to the problem. My right foot seems to be the same (to me, anyway), so I don't know why that foot is okay.

    One thing that strikes me is that my foot hurts if I put a shoe on in the morning without really doing much walking. Is this because the area is already irritated, or does it suggest the tight muscle issue really isn't the problem. In other words, if my foot will start hurting when all I've one is a little walking around the house and I put a sock or shoe on, does that still support a tight muscle being the source of the problem?

    Any thoughts?
     
  15. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Having had Plantar Fascia release surgery 4 years ago my doctor talked me into having the Plantar release again as well as the Gastroc Release since my Plantar fasciitis returned. It's been 3 months and it has been the worst experience of my entire life. I have had 6 surgerys in the past on my knee, foot and arm and have never experienced anything like this. All my surgerys were a direct result of injuries while playing soccer and I always bounced back and was able to play right away. After having this Gastroc Release done I now find myself wondering if I will ever play soccer again. I have constant charlie horses in my calf, tightness and pain in my calf and now major pain in my achilles. I was very fast and agree that I will never be able to run the same ever again. I was very active playing soccer 3 times a week. I now find myself very frustrated and concerned that I may never play again. Don't have this surgery.....period!! I wish I had read this board first!! This Gastroc surgery is an absolute joke. Doctors should not even be offering/doing this procedure. QUOTE=F/A surgeon;30255]Unless one is obese and/or not very active, I would never consider this procedure for plantar fasciitis. I certainly would never consider it if you are athletic. You will likely never be able to run the same again. The calf weakness and atrophy are very impressive after this procedure (which is the intent of the procedure) especially if not casted (nonweightbearing) for a period of time after. The calf strength NEVER returns to full power even with aggressive PT. Yes, it is a valuable, needed and effective procedure for disorders such as flatfoot with a legit pathologic equinus, but not necessary for plantar fasciitis. Any foot and ankle surgeon who is reasonably active would never want this procedure done on themselves!

    hope this helps[/QUOTE]
     
  16. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    i had gastrocnemius slide last october for plantar fasciitis after receiving months of physio hydrotherapy and swimming daily i seem to have abnormal gait ?due to muscle weakness this has now caused Bursitis in both hips ihave had one injected with steroids with little effect . My plantar fasciitis has improved but would be grateful for advise over gait, muscle weakness .
     
  17. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I had the gastroc recession on both tendons on 08/27/2010. I did 6 weeks of PT. It is now 5/15/2011, and I am still having issues with my right ankle movement and weight bearing. I cannot stand long that 5 or 10 minutes without having foot pain or having to hold on to something. My orthosurgeon suggest walking as much as possible and doing streching & tendon exercises. Has anyone else experienced long healing times? I was told that it could be 18-24 months before it is completely healed.
     
  18. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Any feedback on this procedure? please let me know because my 9 year old daughter is going to have it soon...
     
  19. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    Im having my gastroc recession on friday (in 2 days) and something my doctor said made me really anxious. In the begining I was told I wouldnt need crutches and that Id be full weight bearing from day 1... but yerterday at my pre op he said that I should get some to help me walk (fwb if I could manage it) because I would be in a lot of pain and I wouldnt want to walk on it. how much pain did you have the day of and after the surgery? how much did the pain increase when the nerve block wore off? if you were FWB from day 1 did you wish you had crutches/ use them if you had them?? how many days did you take the pain meds (my dr said most likely 3 or 4 days post op... but Im skeptical because I dont want to rely on the pain meds then suffer more afterwards)?? this is my first surgery so Im a bit nervose... any other info you think would be helpful too thanks
     
  20. Unregistered

    Unregistered Guest

    I forgot to add... how long were your stitches in?? my doctor said between 2 and 3 weeks but that seems a bit long ??
     
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