Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. Seems so strange to have such a minor work out be so hard. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. appropriate medical assistance immediately. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! 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. 7 Works Way High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. 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. Weve explained all the options in the text below. Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. All rights reserved. Join in and write your own page! I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. To help further, the foot needs to be kept elevated so that the swelling subsides. Thank you. The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. Taping the affected toe is also a common treatment method for hammertoe. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. Should I try the colban wrap? Stage 1: Swelling. Seabrook, NH 03874 It's easy to do. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! People should discuss the risks and benefits of each option. 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: A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. 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. My incisions are pretty much healed now. 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. 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. 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. Hello. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. Bunion Correction Surgery. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. During a lapiplasty, our surgeons use tiny, highly specialized tools to completely rotate your misaligned metatarsal bone. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery? (603) 516-4411 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. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. After a hammertoe surgery, a mild swelling is normal. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. 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 flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. What to Expect After the Procedure. Some medical teams have the option of offering, Having hallux rigidus, also known as a stiff big toe, can make standing or walking difficult because of the pain. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed (1) Use those alphabet exercises. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. A person can reduce the symptoms of a flexible hammer toe by avoiding high heels and wearing loose shoes that are at least a half-inch longer than the longest toe. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? 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. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. There are two distinct types: In the early stages, the joint is still movable. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? This is not wise. 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. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. Ahammertoeis a deformity of your toe, where the middle joint is pulled out of alignment by tight muscles or tendons. Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. 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. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. 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. CLICK HERE INSTEADvar cid='1957822116';var pid='ca-pub-1552388110506181';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Learn more about toe fractures and other conditions that can cause these symptoms, plus treatment, People can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nails properly. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. 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. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? This is clear evidence that the ROM exercises have not accomplished the expected results. All rights reserved. My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. I take 800mg ibuprofen (prescribed) too keep the swelling down and also take my percs for pain. The next day I ended up going to UC. I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis. 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. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). 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. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. Reading the responses really hasn't given given me much relief as it sounds like 8-12 weeks is the next date to look forward to. Thank you Dr. Mitnick for your quick response and also for the explanation in the original post that the swelling in my toe could be caused by problems with the lymphatic system. I'm now 10 months post op and doing well. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. 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. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. 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. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Is this normal. I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. im hobbling. Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. 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. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. I interviewed 7 surgeons before settling on my surgeon but it was hard to find references from former bunion patients so I'm just praying everything will work out! Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Learn more here. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. 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'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. I am thinking of doing swimming exercise 2x a wk. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Swelling and pain are common after hammertoe surgery, up to a point, so if your pain is beyond the expected normal, your surgeon should be made aware of it. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. We are committed to providing educational information because, at Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. And long walks. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . She had a pin put in her toe for her hammer toe at the same time. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. It was so great to get to your If that fails, surgery might be the only option. I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in When a hammer toe causes pain, and other treatments fail, surgery may be the only option for correcting the joint. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Complications From Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, How to Increase Flexibility in My Big Toes, Complications of Spinal Fusion With Harrington Rods, FootDoc.ca: Complications of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Podiatry Today: "How To Address the Complications of Hammertoe Surgery" by Molly Judge, DPM. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. 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. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. What did you do? Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? You can have sedation, but its not necessary. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. 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.