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. I do not have any pain in my toes; however they still look swollen and do bend like the other toes. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. This is clear evidence that the ROM exercises have not accomplished the expected results. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. When I take it off it feels better. I know that swelling is normal and it will last quite a while. 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. 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. 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 causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. In rare cases where a person experiences severe pain from a hammer toe and no other treatment works, a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon might recommend removing the toe. Bunion removed 12 yrs. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. Join in and write your own page! She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. The level of pain after hammertoe and bunion surgery varies, depending on the procedures performed and your pain threshold 5. But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery? Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily? All rights reserved. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? I wonder when I'll be able to go for a walk and not end up limping and hobbling because my feet have swollen. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! During a lapiplasty, our surgeons use tiny, highly specialized tools to completely rotate your misaligned metatarsal bone. Thank you, Hello it's been 3 months since I had bunion surgery I know I have screws and plates and the side of my foot but they had to fix my hammertoe my second toe the one next to my big toe it was bent up before my surgery after they did the surgery my foot and the doctor says it is still swollen is it normal to have but second toe sticking up higher than the rest of them cuz they had to straighten that out cuz it was Hammer Toe well that toe eventually go back down he said he's straighten them out on my toes to where they should be I'm just worried I hope it doesn't stay like that. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. 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. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. Foot Surgery Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Today I will take my first full shower, including my operated foot which hasn't seen water since October 31. Your podiatric surgeon inserts specially designed surgical tools through the incision to release the tight tendons and muscles. appreciate it. I was so excited to be able to put weight on foot and start walking but it's so painful and my foot gets swollen if I walk too much. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. 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 am able to get on a running shoe but is so painful after a short time. This year it is not going to happen. I'm 4 weeks post op bunion and hammer toe surgery. .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. 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. at our local hospital. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. Traditional procedures can take a few months, but minimally invasive ones will take only about 4-6 weeks. 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. ago, which ultimately proved to be an over correction. All rights reserved. The surgeon stresses the importance of that. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. Still swollen and painful. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. I knew this sedentary lifestyle would be brutal. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. Then I bought a pair of Merrel shoes (almost bear foot with wide front), those were comfortable. Home 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. When you continue to wear shoes that cramp your toes, your toes rub against the inside of your shoes, creating calluses and corns, which can exacerbate your hammertoe. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. 31st Oct 2018. Cal. They rarely persist after the first six months post-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. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. The fingers or toes may also be warm and difficult . 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. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. 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). Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. I will never wear normal trainers again, I'll only buy wide ones. And your site is so intelligently arranged. So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. I appreciate you having this website. Taping the affected toe is also a common treatment method for hammertoe. I had hammertoe surgery on 4th toe 14 months ago and I still have swelling. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. Read our editorial policy. Some days the swelling is worst than others. 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. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. 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. 5. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. Pins to be removed next week. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. So, I do minimal walking. A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. 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 Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce pain. Cosmetic Surgery 30 years experience. You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. 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. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. 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). An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Wishing you speedy healing. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Patient Info However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Registered in England and Wales. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. How did it go? 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. 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: Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. EASILY and QUICKLY! I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. I am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. I try but it simply doesn't work. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. Kudos to you! 7 Works Way It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. Keep in touch! Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. Thank you. Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. At some point, they will have to fit. 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. My feet are not sore to walk at all! 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. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. 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. It may not be advisable, I fear.So now, I feel worse than I felt before my husband got it into his head that it would be better for me without those tiny strips. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. Two to three months after your operation, you should be able to return to all of your usual activities and sports, although some mild swelling may remain for up to twelve months. Once the incisions heal and the swelling subsides, the patient can gradually apply weight and move. After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. 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. I am 65 and I do dancing for pleasure and exercise. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. Read More. My incisions are pretty much healed now. If you don't elevate, fluid may collect in the foot and cause additional pain. I only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. In some cases, a keloid scar can form. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. Are there lighter weight boots for small frame, small boned woman? Simply click here to return to. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. Ugg boots are tolerable . Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. There have been cases in which 2 months after surgery, although the recommended treatment has reduced swelling a bit, the dense fibrous tissue has given a fusiform (tapered at both ends) appearance to the toes. There are two distinct types: In the early stages, the joint is still movable. I put antibiotic ointment over that open wound and my husband taped over the wound and all around the foot. I guess I keep doing so. thank you for your words of encouragement. 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. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. A broken pinky toe can cause swelling and pain. Removing the forces that caused these problems in the first place (e.g., pinching . You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. (603) 516-4411 This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. I can't do any of that, and so now don't get that regular social exposure to my gym and dance friends. How are you now? Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. 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. How? Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". If you have pins or screws in your toe, they may be taken out a few weeks after the operation.. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. 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. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. My doctors visit is in 3.5 weeks away and I need to end the pain and reduce swelling now. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. Hammer toes can become painful over time, as the joints lose flexibility. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. I'm not sure if this is normal. It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. The incision will probably leave a scar. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Is it because of the swelling? Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. My doctor said no leather due to swelling. im hobbling. 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. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. Hammer toe surgery can be highly effective in people for whom the primary or only issue is hammer toe. I know it will all be worth it and I have no sign of bunions now at all, which is wonderful! She had a pin put in her toe for her hammer toe at the same time. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. The progression is predictable-from five days with absolutely no pressure on the foot, to the resumption of modified activities in six to eight weeks. Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. Seabrook, NH 03874 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. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. However, there are a couple of things to be wary of: i. Day 11 my right foot started stinging, stabbing and feeling not right, but naturally I couldn't see anything because of the huge bandages. Stitches (25) removed at week 2. 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. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) Over 300,000 hammertoe surgeries are performed each year. Not what you're looking for? You can set up a home recovery area where you can rest comfortably, and dont forget to prepare those pillows that will help you elevate your leg. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. on the sides of my feet. I rotate different day but ALWAYS make sure to keep my foot up for a WHOLE day unless I have to use the restroom..haha. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. Blog I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. Hi Rebecca. 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. Please help! Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. how are you now? 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. 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. Appointments & Locations. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. And I cannot stand up and cook either. 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. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. 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 the most fashionable lol but it's a start!! Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day.