Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. 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. 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. Types of Hammertoe Surgery. The next day I ended up going to UC. The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. what is your take on this & can you recommend some other therapies for me to try I would ask my surgeon myself, but I am vacationing 2,200 mi. It's 5 weeks today since my surgery. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. They will slowly get better with time. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. 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. Thank you. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? 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. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. I put antibiotic ointment over that open wound and my husband taped over the wound and all around the foot. I still have the strips in the other places. Appointments & Locations. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . Recovery Time The amount of time it will take you to recover from hammertoe surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery performed, but generally, you can expect the following: Bunion Surgery: This means you need to draw an imaginary figure A, then B, then C and so on, all the way to Z. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. 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. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. But you might have to try a few different shoes before you find the right ones. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. My feet peeled like crazy too. Cal. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. The surgeon did not instruct me to do any taping or PT or anything, he said I could resume normal activity. How is this expected to continue? I normally never wear trainers except for the gym; they have always made my feet feel claustrophobic , and they go with none of the sort of clothes I wear. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. And long walks. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. It is swollen and frozen. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. It takes a long time to get back to normal. In most cases, patients will use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. 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. Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication according to your doctor's instructions. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. Is it because of the swelling? A rigid hammer toe means the joint is no longer movable. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. It also permanently changes the foots appearance and can be riskier and harder to recover from than some other surgeries. Contact Us Weve explained all the options in the text below. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. You also may have swelling in your foot. 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. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. how are you now? I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. Hello. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. I'm not sure if this is normal. 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. Depending on the success of the surgery and recovery rate of an individual, this condition of swelling could remain for one month to one year. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. I know that swelling is normal and it will last quite a while. 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. Over 300,000 hammertoe surgeries are performed each year. Again, I want You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. Seems so strange to have such a minor work out be so hard. About Us Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. Finally, I settled on the one whom Boston Magazine found to be the best foot and ankle doctor in the state and I also found him on a list of 10 best foot and ankle doctors in the country. 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. To realize just how lucky you are just living in a warmer climate, think that we had snow over here, and obviously it was quite chilly. At some point, they will have to fit. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. It was so great to get to your I hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. Pain and Swelling. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. You may even experience tingling or burning as your foot heals. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. The most common surgical techniques employed to address the rigid or so-called fixed hammertoe deformities are PIPJ resection arthroplasty or PIPJ arthrodesis. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? It's easy to do. .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. He told me he does not recommend it because he found that PT may increase the chance of bunions coming back. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. im the same as you. I want myself back! A hammer toe causes the toe to bend at the first joint, which is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. Embrace Positivity. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. I planned my surgery and attempted to plan my sedentary time to do my end of year Continuing Education (retired accountant) and I'm taking a very intensive online class, which I'd never commit to if I were mobile. All that you need is a piece of tape. You may experience some swelling and bruise in the days following surgery, but this should subside within a few weeks. at our local hospital. This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. I will never wear normal trainers again, I'll only buy wide ones. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. Some possible complications are: Pain or swelling Stiffness Nerve damage Infection Weakness in toe or toes Bones may not heal properly Blood clot Hammertoe reoccurrence Recovering From Hammertoe Correction I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. Simona, I can so relate! My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. A hammer toe is a potentially painful deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes, where the toe bends upward at the joint, resembling a hammer. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. Immediately after your surgery, the operated toe will be red, a bit swollen, and maybe even stiff for a while even though the deformity was corrected successfully. They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. FAX: (603) 964-6515, SOMERSWORTH I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. Appointments 216.444.2606. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . 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. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. 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. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. 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. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. 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. I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. It still hurts to walk. A person with a history of hammer toe is at risk of developing it again, even after surgery, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes that fit and to follow a doctors recommendations for protecting the joint. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. My foot feels better than it has in months. Because of supply chain shortages as well as staffing shortages particularly during the pandemic, many institutions extended the time between dressing changes for chronic wounds. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Holiday shopping on Amazon. I guess patience is KEY! How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. And that open toe surgical sandal. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Join in and write your own page! I was lucky it was summertime. However, you can repeat the cold therapy every hour if youd like. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-4-0');MedlinePlus, Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation. Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Have you experienced this? Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. 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. Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. The fingers or toes may also be warm and difficult . Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery.