The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. 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. The surgery should not hurt. Thank you. And your site is so intelligently arranged. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. I would like to know.When you have excessive swelling,why do your toes look shorter? Bunion and 6-week post-op. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. If youre living with the pain and mobility issues caused by ahammertoe, a minimally invasive surgery to correct your toe deformity may be the best treatment to resolve your symptoms. The second, third, fourth or fifth toes are affected most often and the deformity usually develops over time as a result of chronic inflammation arthritis, ligament injury or wearing poorly-fitted shoes. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. Your surgeon may use an X-ray machine or a thin surgical tool with a camera mounted on the tip to create images of your toes to guide the surgical procedure. If you have pins or screws in your toe, they may be taken out a few weeks after the operation.. Should I try the colban wrap? What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? 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. im the same as you. 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. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A person will need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. They will slowly get better with time. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. 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. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. During that time, there are some things you can do to ensure you heal properly and minimize the pain and swelling (these two often go hand in hand). However, if your toe is swollen and it hurts, your doctor will prescribe some over-the-counter pain medications that will help with both swelling and pain. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. The level of pain after hammertoe and bunion surgery varies, depending on the procedures performed and your pain threshold 5. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. Bunion removed 12 yrs. What to Expect After the Procedure. It depends on the type of surgery. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. However, you can repeat the cold therapy every hour if youd like. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. He told me he does not recommend it because he found that PT may increase the chance of bunions coming back. Posted 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. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. Thank you. I take 800mg ibuprofen (prescribed) too keep the swelling down and also take my percs for pain. All my toes are now straight and I was getting used to the new wider, chubby looking toes until I had the right foot done a week ago. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. im hobbling. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. All rights reserved. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. I am 65 and I do dancing for pleasure and exercise. Simona, I can so relate! Registered in England and Wales. I do have a device to put on toe for swelling. But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. respect of any healthcare matters. I've been really isolated. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. In some cases, you may need to stay off of your feet for a few days. Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. And long walks. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. At some point, they will have to fit. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. as being in breach of those terms. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. My first 10 days after surgery I really didn't take painkillers, other than the paracetamol they gave me during my 2 days in hospital. This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. When a muscle gets too weak, it can put pressure on the tendons of the toe. I am in constant pain. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. The first steps toward healing start right away. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. Starting soon after surgery, taking an over the counter medicine such as Pericolace can help. My feet are not sore to walk at all! 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). Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. at our local hospital. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. Read our editorial policy. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? I guess I keep doing so. thank you for your response. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication according to your doctor's instructions. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. 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. 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. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. 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. 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. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. The most common surgical techniques employed to address the rigid or so-called fixed hammertoe deformities are PIPJ resection arthroplasty or PIPJ arthrodesis. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. Somersworth, NH 03878 I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. A few weeks after surgery, the doctor will remove any stitches or pins. I want to wear something on my feet that doesn't hurt and that makes me feel normal. Patient Info Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. People with hammer toe may also develop corns or calluses at the top of the joint from the toe rubbing on poorly fitted shoes. Doctor's PA offered no solution. It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. Simona I'm at the exact same place in my recovery, 6 weeks from bunion, hammertoe and tailors bunion surgery Oct 30, 2019. really regreting this surgery now. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. 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. 325-1 Lafayette Road First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. Traditionally, hammertoe surgery involved incisions alongthe tops of your toes, which allowed your podiatric surgeon to release your affected toe joints and the tight tendons and muscles. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. This is called amputation. I was told it's because of the swelling and the x-rays look fine and no changes in bone.I was so happy with the results a few days ago. Marc Mitnick DPM Mar 10, 2017 Rating different toes by: Stefany 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. 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. Hammertoes are common in women who wear high heels and children who wear shoes that are too small. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. Our board . Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. It has totally bruised my shin, and in attempt to sit with boot on I can not elevate foot at all because of the weight. 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. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . 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 . ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. 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. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Thank you. When a hammer toe becomes problematic, surgery can be performed to remove part of the bone and release the contracted tendon. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. I'm not sure if this is normal. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! I want myself back! college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. Cal. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. I will NEVER have this surgery in the other foot! 3 years ago, Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. I'm 4 weeks post op bunion and hammer toe surgery. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. I wish I didn't have the surgery. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. Take care! 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. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. Hammer toe repair - discharge. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. My doctor said no leather due to swelling. The foot doctor said to massage it everyday, but after all this time it is still swollen and has a slight hump even though I did all that was said to do after he surgery. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. It should also reduce pain. I hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. In fact, research shows that post-surgery foot and ankle pain and swelling are typically well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers/anti-inflammatory medication and the RICE method (rest, ice . Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. I'm now 10 months post op and doing well. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. It felt good. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? At my drs request I stretch my toe up and down daily and curl my toes to start stretching the ligaments. 5. I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. You had surgery to repair your hammer toe. 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. Not what you're looking for? Please help, I am not sure what to do now! Day 11 my right foot started stinging, stabbing and feeling not right, but naturally I couldn't see anything because of the huge bandages. During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. 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. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. Kudos to you! im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. When I take it off it feels better. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. Hammertoe surgery is considered quite a simple procedure, but even the simplest surgeries can have some complications. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. I was told that after 3 days I could take a normal shower and be able to soak my foot too. Stage 1: Swelling. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. 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. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? I had to laugh at your description of your husband ripping off the steri strips but ouch! Bunionectomy and Neuroma Removal After image taken 12 weeks post surgery. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. Every doctor will tell you to elevate your leg after hammertoe surgery, and the reason for that is simple elevation will help with the lymphatic drainage and ensure the swelling goes down quicker. In some cases, a keloid scar can form. The problem is that my foot is too swollen and too frozen in place to be able to fit into even a wide, larger soft shoe. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15913517, http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00160, http://www.apma.org/Learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=1863, http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/treatments/Pages/Hammertoe-Surgery.aspx, http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/foot-problems/hammer-toe. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Of course, it's reasonable to expect some pain and swelling after the surgery - the procedure requires cutting of your skin, soft tissue, and even bones, so it makes sense that there will be some pain at the surgical site until that heals. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? You may even experience tingling or burning as your foot heals. Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. I am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. If you have a hammertoe or are concerned that a hammertoe is developing,contact us at Nagy Footcarefor effective diagnosis and treatment. 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. It makes it feel so much better all day but I found if I leave it on when I go to bed, the toe aches and I have to take it off. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are I had surgery November 21st, bunions on both feet and hammertoe fusion on my second toe, left foot (which actually is more painful and weird feeling than the bunion toes). Since reading several patient accounts I now realize the recovery is likely 3-5 months. I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting.
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