"Bideford Hospital Physiotherapy Department."

After I broke my metatarsal, and when I could walk again, I asked to be referred to the physiotherapy department. This was because I'd strained the foot several times before I eventually broke it. In fact, I'd spent most of the previous 18 months before the break, with a limp because of strains. I wanted help getting the foot strong again.

The physio I saw in January '15 was very dismissive. They did not examine my foot and gave me no constructive advice. In the time they spent explaining at length why I wasn't worth helping, they could have worked out an exercise plan.

A year later, I'm still limping. I've tried to devise exercise plans for myself, which could strengthen the foot, but they haven't worked. The hospital doctor who took my cast off just advised me to get lots of exercise. That was disastrous advice; after one long hike last summer, my foot became much more painful and less mobile, and I've had to give up walking at all over rough ground. Even on a paved surface I can only walk a mile or so before my foot becomes too painful.

Because I'm unstable on my feet, I keep tripping over things and it is only a matter of time before I have another injury. I've also spent hundreds of pounds on shoes but I can't find a pair that is comfortable any more.

I think I should have been given better aftercare by the hospital.