What is the Deal with the Size of this Screw in My Foot?
On August 21, 2025, I underwent orthopedic surgery for a non-union Jones fracture. I am a 64-year-old female, and my surgeon had indicated that they would be using a wire for the procedure. However, after the operation, I discovered that they had inserted a screw instead, which the surgeon warned might cause me discomfort due to its position. What I find perplexing is the sheer size of the screw; it seems nearly as large as the bone itself, and it isn’t even placed centrally. From my perspective, which certainly lacks radiological expertise, it appears that a splinter is protruding from the other side. I can’t shake off a sense of anxiety, feeling that my situation might be even worse now than it was when I had been limping around for eight months with the fracture. How is this going to heal? If it eventually does mend, won’t I just end up with a large void in the bone once the screw is removed? This uncertainty is really troubling me.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 9:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s perfectly understandable to feel anxious about your recovery and the surgical outcomes, especially with the unexpected size of the screw and your concerns about healing. Let’s break down your situation to provide clarity and reassurance.
Main Points:
- Size and Position of the Screw: It’s common for orthopedic surgeons to use screws that may appear large for stability in bone healing. While the size may seem concerning, it is intended to support your bone effectively during the healing process.
- Healing Process: Your body has an incredible ability to heal. Over time, the bone will likely heal around the screw, and concerns about any void can be discussed in terms of long-term recovery.
Explanation:
After a surgery like yours for a Jones fracture, surgeons often use screws for better stability. The screw can indeed look significant, but its size helps ensure that fractured bones stay aligned as you heal. It's not unusual to feel discomfort, but this should gradually improve as your body adjusts.
As for your worry about a void in the bone when the screw is removed, know that bone often remodels itself. When the screw is eventually taken out, the bone typically heals around it, and new bone tissue can form, helping to fill any gaps that may have been created.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Observe Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in mobility. Document these symptoms for reference in future discussions with your healthcare provider.
-
Follow-Up with Your Surgeon: If you have not already, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment. Bringing up your concerns about the size of the screw and how it might affect your healing will be helpful. They can provide you with more specific information tailored to your unique case.
-
Manage Discomfort: If you experience discomfort, consider discussing pain management strategies with your provider. Gentle range-of-motion exercises, as recommended by your surgeon or physical therapist, may also facilitate healing and improve comfort.
-
Seek Support: It's normal to feel worried. Engage with friends, family, or support groups to share your feelings and gather encouragement.
Reassurance:
Your concerns are valid, and approaching your healing positively can make a difference. Worries about the screw and your healing process are common. Trust in your medical team’s expertise and the resilience of your body. If you have further questions or need to discuss anything, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.