Spike,

I haven't had any foot surgery, but I do know about the pain of PT. I had to stop in March, because I knew PT was not helping. The podiatrist told me to stop for a while to allow the nerves to calm down. While I stopped formal PT I did not stop twice daily epsom salt soaks, gently rubbing in DMSO, tapping my feet, doing isometrics and putting on the Correct Toes and the yoga toes-oiled first.

I was in so much pain and living on an aero bed in my den I forgot I had a paraffin wax machine under my bed upstairs. I could have used it. You might want to look into getting one, I read it can help.

I decided to go back to PT when I realized that the extreme sensitivity had subsided to the point that wearing shoes without crying was possible. I knew had to start weight bearing or keep losing bone.

I can easily do the towel crunches that Littlepaw mentioned, but they are not helping me get back my arch. I walk around my house barefoot to get my feet dirty so I can seen where I am weight bearing. I am walking on the outside of my right foot to avoid putting pressure on the "injured" area. I may buy a "big toe" exerciser I saw on Amazon.

The two exercise machines I bought have been money well spent. I love the CoreSmart, because I can pedal push with resistance and move my feet to benefit different areas. I love the InMotion, because I can pedal this as well, using different foot and leg muscles. I have both machines in front of my sofa.

I also used mirror therapy. I sat with my bathroom door wedged between my legs and I massaged my bad foot while looking at my better foot. I also did some movement exercises.

Littlepaw mentioned tiny incremental gains-yes, I think this is good advice.

Great, I'm glad that you are happy with what you are doing and with the advice you are receiving from Littlepaw. Hang in there.

hope your feeling better today bio. soft hugs coming your way.