My name is Debbie I had bunionocotmy June 20 2012  pain is increasing  where the plate was place I have sharp pain and it feels like it is locking,  when I walk there is pain at the base of my big toe, and there is still swelling 3 weeks ago my surgery said I had synovitis inflammation of my 2nd toe I am discourage as pain is increasing each day, what is you expert opinion I would appreciate any feedback to understand what is going on
Hello, Thank you for your question. I think first thing is to exclude a postoperative infection or inflammation. For that purpose you can do blood test, PCR, ESR, total blood count. Overseeing the foot if you have swelling until 12 months after the surgery, I consider it normal. If your skin on the surgery site is red and warm that is not normal after 4 weeks postoperative.Also, another rare cause of pain may be nerve pain or as we call Sundecks atrophy (or RSDS Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syn Chat Doctor.  If that is the case it needs longer and complex treatment stroller pain medicine doctors.Also, an X-ray of the foot would clarify the status of hardware (plate, screw, pins) position in the bone, in case of migration or failure of metal hardware. I hope I helped you.