Okay . . Thanks . .
Now I have a better understanding of your situation. It could be that post-operative swelling caused undue pressure on the 5th toe. Since obviously splints or casts don't expand when the foot swells, checking the splint or cast for swelling post-operatively is a routine cautionary procedure. Inappropriate padding of the splint may also be a factor. How long the undue pressure was unaddressed can be a determining factor in the prognosis. It is difficult to make a clear assessment as to whether the problem iwill be transient, long-lasting or permanent. If there is no breakdown of the skin of the 5th toe, no ulceration, no necrosis (death of tissue) and no circulatory embarrassment, and yet the pain persists after the pressure of the splint was released, then it is possible that you have a problem with a traumatized nerve. Prediction of how long nerve pain will persist is very difficult and uncertain, but clearly, prognosis is determine by the extent of injury to the nerve, if, in fact, that's what it was. As a general rule, which may or may not be germane to your case, most nerve problems, if they are going to resolve spontaneously, do so within six months. This does not mean that your problem will necessarily continue for six months, but if it doesn't resolve by that time, then it will probably be permanent and more aggressive techniques need to be considered. Chances are, this problem will resolve without additional intervention, but clearly your doctor is your best source of advice on this. It was my assumption that if you're asking about it here, he/she hasn't given you a clear answer. Since you have now said that that is not the case, ask him/her.
|
