I want myself back! Web design by: Half a Bubble Out | Marketing & Advertising, minimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. The type of hammer toe determines treatment options. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. by Sheri. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed And to go out of the house, and into the car, I had to navigate a good number of stone steps, icy, and snowy, dragging myself on my butt since I wasn't allowed to bear any weight. You can have sedation, but its not necessary. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. A 2005 study of 12 older adults who had toes amputated found that the procedure could alleviate pain, and people were typically very satisfied with surgical outcomes. Surgery was done to stop pain from fractured toe that was still painful after 2 years so I've had this pain for 3 years now. Thank you. An orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist can help a person correct the problem before surgery becomes necessary, so anyone experiencing symptoms of hammer toe should speak to their doctor before allowing it to get worse. Home Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. You can set up a home recovery area where you can rest comfortably, and dont forget to prepare those pillows that will help you elevate your leg. All rights reserved. Pin Removal After Hammertoe Surgery Luxe Foot Surgery Some days the swelling is worst than others. I was happy with the results, except for my second toe being the same length as my big toe. These traditional procedures require larger incisions which can lead to post-operative swelling and visible scarring. ago, which ultimately proved to be an over correction. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? I was looking forward to my hammertoe pin removal and clearance to begin weight bearing but its just such a battle of swelling and pain. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. People with hammer toe may also develop corns or calluses at the top of the joint from the toe rubbing on poorly fitted shoes. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. Everything look good,until the day I hit my toes.My surgeon told it's all the swelling and that's why they look short. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Patients usually have few. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Dactylitis or "Sausage Finger/Toe" | Causes and Treatments I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. How to Recover from Hammertoe and Bunion Surgery | Healthfully Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. Yay.. 1st shower( without pin and plastic cover) at 6 weeks too. How To Address Complications Of Hammertoe Surgery . Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. I was looking forward to my hammertoe pin removal and clearance to begin weight bearing but its just such a battle of swelling and pain. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. How To Handle Complications Of Hammertoe Surgery Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. Read our editorial policy. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. Simona I'm at the exact same place in my recovery, 6 weeks from bunion, hammertoe and tailors bunion surgery Oct 30, 2019. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. Kudos to you! so I have had both feet done now the first one I had done last year September 2019 my foot was swollen quite big I would say for around four months and then after that the more I walked on it the more it was swollen this was on and off through the whole of the summer we are now in December 2019 I would say the Welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. All that you need is a piece of tape. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Taping the affected toe is also a common treatment method for hammertoe. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. During a lapiplasty, our surgeons use tiny, highly specialized tools to completely rotate your misaligned metatarsal bone. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. In some cases, you may need to stay off of your feet for a few days. Our board . You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. Wishing you speedy healing. It's 5 weeks today since my surgery. Hammertoe surgery is a procedure to correct a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toea bend at the middle joint that makes the toe look like a claw or hammer. Cal. Six Ways to Restore Foot Health After Surgery - Natural Footgear Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Before we get into the details of what to expect during and after hammertoe surgery, lets take a step back and review the basics about hammertoes. When you are showering or bathing, the foot has to be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your recovery time can vary if youve undergone a minimally invasive procedure, it will be about 4-6 weeks. Now, since that yanking episode, it hurts to even flex my foot minimally. Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? I am in constant pain. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. 10 Tips for Foot Surgery Post-Op Recovery - Sandra Bornstein A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. It depends on the type of surgery. People should discuss the risks and benefits of each option. You will be able to carry your weight the same day after the procedure, and its recommended that you walk a little bit each day. And long walks. Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. I had bunion & second & third hammertoe,surgery aug 16th, pins were pulled Sept 27, 5 days ago, third toe, looks like it is curling down ward & is very swollen still, is it possible the bone fractured on removal of the pin, it didn't hurt too bad to have pins pulled, but the next 2 days after were bad, did a lot of icing & elevatingIt seems my ankle, calf & across top of foot is still swelling a lot when on it for more than an hour. You will be able to walk immediately after your surgery but should take it easy and keep your foot elevated for three or four days. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. Learn more here. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. 6 weeks after bunion/hammertoe surgery - foot quite swollen Surgery for Hammer Toe: What to Expect at Home - Alberta Post-Op Care: The Best Way to Elevate Feet After Surgery - Lounge Doctor 325-1 Lafayette Road If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. I had 2 bunions and all 5 hammertoes on right foot done 4 mths ago. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. It's easy to do. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. A few weeks after surgery, the doctor will remove any stitches or pins. Your doctor may suggest that you elevate for about 30 minutes every two hours or on an as-needed basis if you notice a high amount of swelling or pain after the initial . The thinner the person the greater the positive impa, One of the best ways to help yourself heal faster after surgery is to eat well. All rights reserved. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery? Problems After Hammertoe Surgery Join in and write your own page! I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. Notes on 6 weeks after bunion/hammertoe surgery - foot quite swollen, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/6-weeks-after-bunion-hammertoe-surgery-foot-quite-swollen-722059. Use life-giving positivity to put the breaks on your negative thoughts and negative life-draining negativity. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. This is not wise. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. As tlw described, I do the toe curling and also a stretching exercise with my 2 affected toes on my left foot - the doctor said twice a day - but the infection in my right foot has meant I couldn't exercise that toe; it's quite stiff by comparison. I don't know about you but I was hoping to be back on my bike at 12 weeks and now at 6 weeks I cannot imagine putting on a cycling shoe. Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. Keep in touch! I had hammertoe surgery on 4th toe 14 months ago and I still have swelling. It is also possible for a corn to develop over the prominent joint. The first steps toward healing start right away. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. This is called amputation. Holiday shopping on Amazon. Bunion and 6-week post-op. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. I was lucky it was summertime. I was prescribed antibiotics but 2 days later (a Sunday) I wasn't improving, the seeping and pain was getting worse, so I went to the Emergency dept. FAX: (603) 964-6515, SOMERSWORTH It should also reduce pain. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. If you have a hammertoe or are concerned that a hammertoe is developing,contact us at Nagy Footcarefor effective diagnosis and treatment. The surgery is performed to lessen pain and/or improve flexibility when the muscles in the toe can't stretch and straighten. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. Hammer toe surgery can be highly effective in people for whom the primary or only issue is hammer toe. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. For this surgery, a doctor cuts ligaments and tendons to help straighten the toe and may also remove a portion of the bone. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction | Dr. Bruce A. Scudday DPM, PA Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. 31st Oct 2018. But I cannot wear even wide, soft sneakers. Ask an Expert Medical Questions I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe Dr. B., Doctor 7,827 Satisfied Customers Physician with 8 years of experience. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. You may need to wear splints on your treated toes for up to six weeks and you may benefit from physical therapy to improve flexibility in your foot and to keep the muscles strong and supple while you heal. I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. A flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. Locations im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. At present I wouldn't be able to walk to the end of our street without having to hobble back like I'm 100 years old. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. Take care! After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time.