I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. You may even experience tingling or burning as your foot heals. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. I also interviewed a lot of doctors. 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. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. So, I do minimal walking. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? When I take it off it feels better. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. by Sheri. Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. 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. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. I'm not sure if this is normal. Wishing you speedy healing. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. // 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. It's Summer here, the trainers and socks make my feet hot and look ridiculous with little summer dresses. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. People should discuss the risks and benefits of each option. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. After surgery, you will need to wear a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for 3 to 6 weeks. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. Again, I want Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. How did it go? I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery. The surgery is performed to lessen pain and/or improve flexibility when the muscles in the toe can't stretch and straighten. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. They will slowly get better with time. 325-1 Lafayette Road A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. Thank you. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . For many people, the continued use of conventional footwear (i.e., shoes that possess heel elevation, toe spring, toe taper, and rigid, inflexible soles) after surgery encourages a recurrence of the original problem, be it a neuroma, a hammertoe, or a bunion. Traditional procedures can take a few months, but minimally invasive ones will take only about 4-6 weeks. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Should I try the colban wrap? Resources You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Is it because of the swelling? not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in People with hammer toe may also develop corns or calluses at the top of the joint from the toe rubbing on poorly fitted shoes. Have you experienced this? After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. Luckily, these scars are small and often fade over time. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. 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. Its important to note that you should never put ice directly on your skin instead, place a thin cloth when applying ice packs. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. And that open toe surgical sandal. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. 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. Locations My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. 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. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. appropriate medical assistance immediately. I guess patience is KEY! Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. After surgery, it is important to avoid wearing high heels and to get well-fitting shoes that give the toes plenty of room, to lessen the chance for recurrence. 5. It is swollen and frozen. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . 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. 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. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. I knew this sedentary lifestyle would be brutal. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. 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. 7 Works Way Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. Cosmetic Surgery 30 years experience. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. The surgeon stresses the importance of that. 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. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. In fact, research shows that post-surgery foot and ankle pain and swelling are typically well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers/anti-inflammatory medication and the RICE method (rest, ice . 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. The swelling has really gone down more - my foot looks normal from the top (well few scars and a funny colour and some bruising still) but it's still swollen when you look at it from the side, so I couldn't yet put my foot into most of my shoes (even if I was allowed). Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. Patients usually have few. Hammertoe surgery is considered quite a simple procedure, but even the simplest surgeries can have some complications. i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Keep in touch! 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. Join in and write your own page! 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. Pins to be removed next week. Less trauma equals less pain, inflammation, and downtime for you. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". And long walks. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Is swelling this high up away from the surgery normal. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. 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. But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. Thank you. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. It was so great to get to your My first 10 days after surgery I really didn't take painkillers, other than the paracetamol they gave me during my 2 days in hospital. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. Simply click here to return to. It depends on the type of surgery. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. I've found when I've tried bare feet, maybe when I've sat down with my feet elevated and then realised I forgot to get something, that it hurts and I tend to automatically keep my toes up and walk(?) I do have a device to put on toe for swelling. Types of Hammertoe Surgery. How is this expected to continue? 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. If you have a hammertoe or are concerned that a hammertoe is developing,contact us at Nagy Footcarefor effective diagnosis and treatment. 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). So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. 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. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor When you are showering or bathing, the foot has to be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. My doctors visit is in 3.5 weeks away and I need to end the pain and reduce swelling now. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. . Is this really the be. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? (603) 516-4411 Get a 10% Discount on Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery Today 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. She earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from William Paterson University. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. It felt good. Other reasons for surgery include toe deformity, a drifting in of the big toe toward the small toe, and an inability to bend and straighten the big toe. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. 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. 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. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. 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. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. 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. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. I was happy with the results, except for my second toe being the same length as my big toe. 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. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. All that you need is a piece of tape. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. I am able to get on a running shoe but is so painful after a short time. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? 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. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. The incision will probably leave a scar. Bunion Correction Surgery. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. This causes problems with balance and weight-bearing. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. White blood cells in your . I started to wrap my toe with coban this week like Dr. Mitnick suggests. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. 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. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. Read More. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. 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. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. Removing the forces that caused these problems in the first place (e.g., pinching . I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. I take 800mg ibuprofen (prescribed) too keep the swelling down and also take my percs for pain. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! 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. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Still swollen and painful. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. I wish I didn't have the surgery. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. I was lucky it was summertime. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. I appreciate you having this website. While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. 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. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. 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. Any advice would be appreciated. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! I would like to know.When you have excessive swelling,why do your toes look shorter? You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. Stitches (25) removed at week 2. The surgery should not hurt. 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. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit . After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. I had hammertoe surgery on 4th toe 14 months ago and I still have swelling. After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. How are you now? Thank you ladies! It's 5 weeks today since my surgery. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. 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! Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. Did you try bare feet or socks around the house? You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. really regreting this surgery now. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. Or should I check in with my dr. I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. The first steps toward healing start right away. 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. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. Your podiatric surgeon inserts specially designed surgical tools through the incision to release the tight tendons and muscles. respect of any healthcare matters. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. How? I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". 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. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. 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. Posted Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? It was very painful but after awhile it went away. An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. You can have sedation, but its not necessary. It also permanently changes the foots appearance and can be riskier and harder to recover from than some other surgeries. 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. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. Kudos to you! 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. 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. I'm 4 weeks post op bunion and hammer toe surgery. I've been really isolated. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. Of course, it's reasonable to expect some pain and swelling after the surgery - the procedure requires cutting of your skin, soft tissue, and even bones, so it makes sense that there will be some pain at the surgical site until that heals. 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. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery?
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