Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. I want to wear something on my feet that doesn't hurt and that makes me feel normal. A person will need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. (603) 516-4411 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. It takes a long time to get back to normal. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. I still have the strips in the other places. But I am worried that I cannot wear even wide soft athletic shoes. A host of potential complications may result from hammertoe surgery and the most common list includes but is not limited to: infection, neuritis, painful or unsightly scarring, chronic swelling, malunion or nonunion of bone, and recurrence of deformity. Locations welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. How To Handle Complications Of Hammertoe Surgery After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. Is it because of the swelling? 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. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? I had surgery Oct. 6, Last week I was given the ok to wear shoes. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. I also interviewed a lot of doctors. They will slowly get better with time. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. (603) 964-6555 Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. FAX: (603) 964-6515. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. 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. The type of hammer toe determines treatment options. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. Since reading several patient accounts I now realize the recovery is likely 3-5 months. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. 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. A doctor may also. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. 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. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. Hammertoe - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). Of course, resting is an important part of your recovery its crucial after every surgery. Pin came out 2 weeks ago and I can not feel this toe. 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. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in A few weeks after surgery, the doctor will remove any stitches or pins. Rarely, the pain and swelling can become permanent. Patient Perspective: Bunionectomy recovery is more than just healing Bunion Surgery: Bunion Removal, Treatment & Recovery - Cleveland Clinic The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. I really don't want to go through another surgery on this toe, I had a pin at the end of my toe for three weeks and had to stay off my foot for 3 weeks. 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. Bandages and stitches removed on day 15 (Dec. 6th) and there was an infection beside my right big toe. Pain and Swelling 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. I use co-flex tape per my Drs recommendation and an ace bandage and sometimes wear the black shoe with open toe around the house. All that you need is a piece of tape. I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. thank you for your response. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Ahammertoeis a deformity of your toe, where the middle joint is pulled out of alignment by tight muscles or tendons. According to MedlinePlus, a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that appears red and inflamed, and possibly painful 2. And I cannot stand up and cook either. We avoid using tertiary references. I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. 6 weeks after bunion/hammertoe surgery - foot quite swollen Seabrook (603) 964-6555 How to Reduce Swelling After Foot Surgery [7 Simple Tips] - iWALK Free When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. What to expect after hammertoe surgery | Nagy Footcare My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe 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. Now, since that yanking episode, it hurts to even flex my foot minimally. I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. thank you for your words of encouragement. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. 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. After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. I've been really isolated. But you might have to try a few different shoes before you find the right ones. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. appropriate medical assistance immediately. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. Join in and write your own page! 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. 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. 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. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. However, there are a couple of things to be wary of: i. What to Expect After the Procedure. Thank you. The incision will probably leave a scar. Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. 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. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. I was told that after 3 days I could take a normal shower and be able to soak my foot too. Also, as the joints are left intact, your recovery time is much shorter. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. Bunion Surgery Before & After Gallery | Bunion Institute LA What is your experience with walking around in the house just in socks or even bare feet? Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. im the same as you. A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your recovery time can vary if youve undergone a minimally invasive procedure, it will be about 4-6 weeks. My feet are not sore to walk at all! 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. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? After classifying your hammertoe as either flexible or fixed, . These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend bunion surgery. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. How To Address Complications Of Hammertoe Surgery Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. 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. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. The patient should understand that mild-to-moderate swelling persists for many months after surgery and limits footwear options until it has resolved. Is Hammer Toe Surgery Painful? - MedicineNet After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Bunion Surgery | Johns Hopkins Medicine It is normal to experience swelling and pain after foot surgery especially if tissue has been cut or removed and bones were moved back into place. 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. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. 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. 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. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . I had 2 bunions and all 5 hammertoes on right foot done 4 mths ago. 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. Keep in touch! What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. Don't be discouraged and wish you'd never done the op as truly, it's so good to see neat feet and not to have bunion pain. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. 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. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? In some cases, a keloid scar can form. 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. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. 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. I was happy with the results, except for my second toe being the same length as my big toe. Bunion Correction Surgery. It's easy to do. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. Hammertoe Surgery: When It's Needed and What Recovery's Like Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction | Dr. Bruce A. Scudday DPM, PA These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. Complications of Hammertoe Surgery | Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe - JustAnswer However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. Your podiatric surgeon inserts specially designed surgical tools through the incision to release the tight tendons and muscles. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. I put antibiotic ointment over that open wound and my husband taped over the wound and all around the foot. Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. Hammer toe repair - discharge. Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. Less trauma equals less pain, inflammation, and downtime for you. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce pain. 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. It's easy to do. While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. This causes problems with balance and weight-bearing. Surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat a hammer toe. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. 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. How did it go? Hammertoes are common in women who wear high heels and children who wear shoes that are too small. Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. 5. Post-Op Care: The Best Way to Elevate Feet After Surgery - Lounge Doctor You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. Posted And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. Specially designed footwear will also have to be worn after bunion surgery, just like after correcting hammertoes. Somersworth (603) 516-4411. i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo 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. I will never wear normal trainers again, I'll only buy wide ones. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. 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. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Hammertoe Surgery Before and After I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? We are committed to providing educational information because, at Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot 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. OCH Orthopedic Center - OCH Regional Medical Center A hammer toe causes the toe to bend at the first joint, which is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Embrace Positivity. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. Over time, the toe muscles grow weaker and are no longer able to straighten the toe. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) The fingers or toes may also be warm and difficult . Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. I know that swelling is normal and it will last quite a while. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. 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. You are lucky to live in So. Swelling after surgery, how long does it last? - Patient What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? In fact we go no where. Did you try bare feet or socks around the house? Thank you! But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. Thank you. how are you now? 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. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. Be well! She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010.