Normally I'm dancing (rock'n'roll and line dancing) and also going to the gym pilates, light weights, aerobics, dance fitness etc most days of the week. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? I had to laugh at your description of your husband ripping off the steri strips but ouch! I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. Your doctor will inform you about all the possible risks before you schedule the procedure, but here are a few of the most common surgery-related complications that can happen: Before you book a hammertoe surgery, you will have to come in for a consultation with a podiatrist. My Steri strips cam off at about 3 weeks (actually removed by dr. ) and he used Neosporin and gauze with ace bandage until 6 weeks when pin removed. Thank you ladies! Hammer toe surgery recovery Though most people can bear weight on their foot immediately after hammer toe surgery, total recovery takes between 4 and 6 weeks. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. It is also possible for a corn to develop over the prominent joint. Read More. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! If that fails, surgery might be the only option. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. White blood cells in your . All rights reserved. If a person is squeamish, does not want to see the procedure, or has a phobia of knives or needles, they might prefer general anesthesia. Is this normal. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. I take 800mg ibuprofen (prescribed) too keep the swelling down and also take my percs for pain. It's Summer here, the trainers and socks make my feet hot and look ridiculous with little summer dresses. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. I hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Yay.. 1st shower( without pin and plastic cover) at 6 weeks too. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! Wishing you speedy healing. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? If you have bunions that cause big toe pain, call your healthcare provider for treatment. 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. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. A person will need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. I'm now 10 months post op and doing well. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. When a hammer toe causes pain, and other treatments fail, surgery may be the only option for correcting the joint. 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. Use life-giving positivity to put the breaks on your negative thoughts and negative life-draining negativity. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. Should I try the colban wrap? Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. You should elevate your leg above the level of your heart if youre lying down, put the leg against the wall or on the pillow. But you will see such a significant change in the feeling, swelling and bruising. Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce pain. im hobbling. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. 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. Its important to note that you should never put ice directly on your skin instead, place a thin cloth when applying ice packs. Simona, I can so relate! During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. I had two surgeries because the first failed (first one was February 28th and second surgery was April 9th) and was able to walk in June. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. I had hammertoe surgery on 4th toe 14 months ago and I still have swelling. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. Be well! 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. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. However, when these conservative treatments dont correct your hammertoe or if the deformity has become too severe, you may need surgery to correct your toe. We avoid using tertiary references. appreciate it. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. It depends on the type of surgery. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. I also interviewed a lot of doctors. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. and rest with your foot propped up on a stack of pillows and apply ice for 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours to relieve swelling. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running, The Quickest Way to Recover From Foot Surgery, New Office Location, Same Great Foot Care: Serving Seabrook and Somersworth, Dr. Nagy Receives Atlas-FAI Certification for Foot Alignment Treatment, Things to Consider About Where You Have Foot Surgery, Why You Wont Need Crutches 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. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. When you continue to wear shoes that cramp your toes, your toes rub against the inside of your shoes, creating calluses and corns, which can exacerbate your hammertoe. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. I have a return visit with the doctor which is 6 weeks after the removal of two pens in two of the three toes operated on. really regreting this surgery now. I know it will all be worth it and I have no sign of bunions now at all, which is wonderful! I have iced, soaked & elevated my foot & got no relief. How? I want myself back! My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. There are two distinct types: In the early stages, the joint is still movable. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. I was so excited to be able to put weight on foot and start walking but it's so painful and my foot gets swollen if I walk too much. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are I guess patience is KEY! He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. I had surgery Oct. 6, Last week I was given the ok to wear shoes. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. on the sides of my feet. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. You are lucky to live in So. EASILY and QUICKLY! My doctor said no leather due to swelling. And I cannot stand up and cook either. Recovery after hammertoe surgery will be different for every patient, length of time to full recovery will depend on following doctor's instructions. But you might have to try a few different shoes before you find the right ones. FAILURE TO KEEP THE FOOT ELEVATED DURING THE FIRST WEEK CAN RESULT IN SWELLING, PAIN, HEMATOMA, AND INFECTION AND NOT ONLY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE RECOVERY BUT ALSO PLACE THE FOOT AT RISK. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. In rare cases where a person experiences severe pain from a hammer toe and no other treatment works, a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon might recommend removing the toe. I've found when I've tried bare feet, maybe when I've sat down with my feet elevated and then realised I forgot to get something, that it hurts and I tend to automatically keep my toes up and walk(?) Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. My doctor, voted best in my state, did not put any permanent hardware in my foot and he also does not believe in physical therapy. 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. Bunion and 6-week post-op. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Foot Surgery Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. All that you need is a piece of tape. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. Of course, resting is an important part of your recovery its crucial after every surgery. My big toe doesn't move at all now, & the one next to it is starting to go under neath the big toe, & the next 2 toes are always sore & swollen. You also may have swelling in your foot. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. All rights reserved. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. I only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. There have been cases in which 2 months after surgery, although the recommended treatment has reduced swelling a bit, the dense fibrous tissue has given a fusiform (tapered at both ends) appearance to the toes. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. If you have pins or screws in your toe, they may be taken out a few weeks after the operation.. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. FAX: (603) 964-6515. So now the other foot was done on the 19th of November although it was the same surgery completely different experience I was up and around after five days although my foot was sore it was mostly in the night it would wake me up the swelling is minimal I have to be honest its the 14th of December 2019 and I have my sneakers on although when I do walk I have to walk quite slowly but sometimes I dont sometimes it slightly swollen sometimes its not so I think really and truly how are you can recover has a lot to do with your body and how it works what I would suggest is taking vitamin di vitamin see and high-strength visuals that is the difference this time to the last time I started taking these six weeks prior to having my surgery I really do believe they made a difference but remember youve just had a massive Surgery and trauma to your foot so just try to keep it elevated as much as possible doing lots of fluid and take supplements that are naturally sourced to help with your recovery you will not regret it in the end you will have a lovely feet I am so happy. But I am worried that I cannot wear even wide soft athletic shoes. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. 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. respect of any healthcare matters. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. I had hammertoe surgery on both feet 6 weeks ago.On my left foot I had the 3 and 4th toe with k-wire.This is my 3rd surgery and the last one was done 2004. Traditional procedures can take a few months, but minimally invasive ones will take only about 4-6 weeks. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. Get a 10% Discount on Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery Today Before having hammer toe surgery, the surgeon will test the circulation through blood tests and vascular studies, but delayed healing can still occur in some patients, according to FootDoc.ca 3. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. 325-1 Lafayette Road Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. The reduced space in the toe box causes your toes to bend to fit in the available space. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. Surgery might be your only solution for severe pain and discomfort caused by hallux rigidus, but there are some expenses to take into account if, If you suffer from arthritis, stem cell injections can be used as a form of treatment in addition to the common orthopedic care. Somersworth (603) 516-4411. After surgery, it is important to avoid wearing high heels and to get well-fitting shoes that give the toes plenty of room, to lessen the chance for recurrence. Is this really the be. 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. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Hi Rebecca. I guess I keep doing so. I still have the strips in the other places. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . My foot feels better than it has in months. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); .errFld{padding:3px}.errFldOn{padding:0;border:3px solid red}.errMsg{font-weight:700;color:red;visibility:hidden}.errMsgOn{visibility:visible}#edit textarea{border:1px solid #000}.editTitle{font-size:22px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}#preview .editTitle{margin-top:0}.editName,.editCountry{text-align:center}.editName,.editCountry,.editBody{}.editBody{text-align:left}#preview{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.GadSense{float:left;vertical-align:top;padding:0 8px 8px 0;margin:0 8px 0 0}.gLinkUnitTop{width:466px;margin:12px auto}.gLinkUnitBot{width:120px;float:right;margin:4px 0 24px 36px}, My second toe on my right foot is still swollen after my hammertoe surgery 6 months ago. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. A hammer toe causes the toe to bend at the first joint, which is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. Hammertoes develop when a muscle imbalance develops and from wearing shoes that cramp your toes, like high heels or shoes with pointed, narrow toe boxes. When a muscle gets too weak, it can put pressure on the tendons of the toe. 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. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. I was allowed back in normal shoes after 7 weeks but at first I could only wear sandals, then aqua shoes for quite a while. By Marc Mitnick DPM 2006-2022, foot-pain-explained.com LLC, Researchers are suggesting that the effectiveness of Vitamin D in fighting and preventing disease is predicated on a persons body mass index (BMI). Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. What to Expect After the Procedure. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. It was very painful but after awhile it went away. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. Keep in touch! Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. It's very painful. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! The surgeon stresses the importance of that. Thank you. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. About Us How did it go? as being in breach of those terms. After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication according to your doctor's instructions. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? 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. I am 33 weeks PO. I was told that after 3 days I could take a normal shower and be able to soak my foot too. all hammertoe , no bunion. how ate you now? In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. To understand this, its crucial to know that every surgery presents a certain level of trauma to the tissue even quick, outpatient procedures like minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Bandages and stitches removed on day 15 (Dec. 6th) and there was an infection beside my right big toe. Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? Hammer toe surgery requires the cutting of skin, nerves, tendon and bone, and as such, pain and swelling are not unexpected following the surgery, according to Premier Podiatry.