Patient is a UK registered trade mark. . After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. The surgery should not hurt. 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. 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. I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions before the procedure, so lets see how you can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Bunion removed 12 yrs. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. (603) 516-4411 Somersworth, NH 03878 Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? I do not have any pain in my toes; however they still look swollen and do bend like the other toes. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. She had a pin put in her toe for her hammer toe at the same time. What to Expect After the Procedure. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. This is why I had to have another surgery.I injured my 3rd&4th toe in the shower while shaving my legs. This happened 2/4/2017. Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? thank you for your response. People should discuss the risks and benefits of each option. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. Seems so strange to have such a minor work out be so hard. Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. My pin was pulled out at 6 weeks minus one day, my foot was unwrapped and only some steri strips were left at the sites of incisions, that is a few such strips over the former bunion, a few strips at the base of the second toe (formerly hammer toe) and a vertical strip along this second toe. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . Stitches (25) removed at week 2. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. 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. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. 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. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use 3 years ago, Thank you ladies! Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. Rarely, the pain and swelling can become permanent. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. Holiday shopping on Amazon. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. 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: It still hurts to walk. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. I wish I didn't have the surgery. I try but it simply doesn't work. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. respect of any healthcare matters. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. My doctors visit is in 3.5 weeks away and I need to end the pain and reduce swelling now. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. 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. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the 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. My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. After a hammertoe surgery, a mild swelling is normal. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. You will need to wrap the tape under the big toe, over the hammer toe, and under the toe next to the hammertoe to help keep it in a straight . How is this expected to continue? Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. It is swollen and frozen. 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. In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. 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. Hammer toe is a condition where one of the toes becomes stiff and bent, in a position resembling the shape of a hammer. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. Here is a suggestio. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. Some days the swelling is worst than others. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. This is not wise. really regreting this surgery now. Yay.. 1st shower( without pin and plastic cover) at 6 weeks too. I'm now 10 months post op and doing well. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. Hammer toe repair - discharge. Tendons attach muscle to bone. All rights reserved. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. I have an insert in the second toe. At some point, they will have to fit. My feet peeled like crazy too. 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. How? Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. Any advice would be appreciated. Services Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Please help! Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. ago, which ultimately proved to be an over correction. 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. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. I had 2 bunions and all 5 hammertoes on right foot done 4 mths ago. I am 33 weeks PO. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. Home I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). You can have sedation, but its not necessary. 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. Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. (603) 964-6555 Are there lighter weight boots for small frame, small boned woman? Hello. 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';} Taping the affected toe is also a common treatment method for hammertoe. Foot Surgery Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. I started wearing soft sneakers late in September and I am now able to wear flat boots (although I sized up for my boots and wear thick warm socks underneath cause my feet are always cold). Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. Privacy Policy, SEABROOK I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. by Sheri. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? To help further, the foot needs to be kept elevated so that the swelling subsides. This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. The surgeon stresses the importance of that. 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. 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. I am practically under house arrest. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. All rights reserved. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. Of course, resting is an important part of your recovery its crucial after every surgery. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. During a lapiplasty, our surgeons use tiny, highly specialized tools to completely rotate your misaligned metatarsal bone. Still swollen and painful. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot 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. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Often elevation will help. (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. Nevertheless, I was happy with the results. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. White blood cells in your . 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. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! 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. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. 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. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . 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. All that you need is a piece of tape. My feet are not sore to walk at all! There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. It was so great to get to your An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. 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. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. A tendon transfer pulls the toe into the correct position and often works well for a flexible hammer toe. There are two distinct types: In the early stages, the joint is still movable. im the same as you. Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. Simply click here to return to. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. Ahammertoeis a deformity of your toe, where the middle joint is pulled out of alignment by tight muscles or tendons. Posted Everything you need to know about hammer toe. Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. Not what you're looking for? Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. The most common surgical techniques employed to address the rigid or so-called fixed hammertoe deformities are PIPJ resection arthroplasty or PIPJ arthrodesis. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. 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. 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. 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. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. 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. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. In some cases, you may need to stay off of your feet for a few days. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. Our board . According to MedlinePlus, a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that appears red and inflamed, and possibly painful 2. Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. What did you do? Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). 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. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. According to Podiatry Today, this complication is usually due to the surgeon failing to isolate the exact underlying bio-mechanical cause of the deformity and correct it. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. 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. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. It's very painful. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. Luckily, these scars are small and often fade over time. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. Is this really the be. These traditional procedures require larger incisions which can lead to post-operative swelling and visible scarring. I've been really isolated. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! I also interviewed a lot of doctors. 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 usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. 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. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. 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! Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery. 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).