All rights reserved. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. I have iced, soaked & elevated my foot & got no relief. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. 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. Somersworth, NH 03878 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. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really Hammertoe Surgery: When It's Needed and What Recovery's Like (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. Big toe joint fusion surgery - treatment, recovery & long-term impact If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . Hammertoe surgery may be the best option for patients who are still in pain after trying non-invasive hammertoe treatments. Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. Hammer toe surgery: Types, what to expect, and recovery Any other suggestions would be appreciated. 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. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. Join in and write your own page! We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Home Our board . What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. 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. I was told that after 3 days I could take a normal shower and be able to soak my foot too. People should discuss the risks and benefits of each option. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. 23 users are following. Complications of Hammertoe Surgery | Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); .errFld{padding:3px}.errFldOn{padding:0;border:3px solid red}.errMsg{font-weight:700;color:red;visibility:hidden}.errMsgOn{visibility:visible}#edit textarea{border:1px solid #000}.editTitle{font-size:22px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}#preview .editTitle{margin-top:0}.editName,.editCountry{text-align:center}.editName,.editCountry,.editBody{}.editBody{text-align:left}#preview{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}.GadSense{float:left;vertical-align:top;padding:0 8px 8px 0;margin:0 8px 0 0}.gLinkUnitTop{width:466px;margin:12px auto}.gLinkUnitBot{width:120px;float:right;margin:4px 0 24px 36px}, My second toe on my right foot is still swollen after my hammertoe surgery 6 months 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 question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. How Long Does It Take to Recover After Bunion Surgery? You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. 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. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. 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. 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. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Pain and Swelling. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. Take care! 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. how are you now? 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. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Hammertoe Surgery? High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. My feet peeled like crazy too. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. The reduced space in the toe box causes your toes to bend to fit in the available space. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. My Steri strips cam off at about 3 weeks (actually removed by dr. ) and he used Neosporin and gauze with ace bandage until 6 weeks when pin removed. 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. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. But I am worried that I cannot wear even wide soft athletic shoes. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. And I cannot stand up and cook either. White blood cells in your . In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. I try but it simply doesn't work. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery? All rights reserved. I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. I'm now 10 months post op and doing well. If that fails, surgery might be the only option. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. Seabrook, NH 03874 PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Embrace Positivity. Reduction in swelling in bunion and hammertoe surgery hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Pin came out 2 weeks ago and I can not feel this toe. Of course, resting is an important part of your recovery its crucial after every surgery. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery It was so great to get to your It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. 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. Contact Us The incision will probably leave a scar. 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. Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. Simply click here to return to. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. My incisions are pretty much healed now. It has totally bruised my shin, and in attempt to sit with boot on I can not elevate foot at all because of the weight. It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. 6 weeks after bunion/hammertoe surgery - foot quite swollen What did you do? My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. It is swollen and frozen. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. 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 wish I didn't have the surgery. I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. It takes a long time to get back to normal. 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. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel? Then I bought a pair of Merrel shoes (almost bear foot with wide front), those were comfortable. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. I have an insert in the second toe. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. So, I do minimal walking. I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. This is not wise. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. It helps but not much. 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. How? Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. Over time, the toe muscles grow weaker and are no longer able to straighten the toe. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. I wonder when I'll be able to go for a walk and not end up limping and hobbling because my feet have swollen. Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. 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. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit . Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. You are to . I was lucky it was summertime. I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Again, I want 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. Stitches (25) removed at week 2. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. Yesterday was actually my first trip out to a store to buy a bottle of wine to take to a holiday party. Pins to be removed next week. It's very painful. What is your experience with walking around in the house just in socks or even bare feet? So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. 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. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . Traditional procedures can take a few months, but minimally invasive ones will take only about 4-6 weeks. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Toe fusion surgery - treatment, recovery & long-term impact Not the most fashionable lol but it's a start!! I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. I have a return visit with the doctor which is 6 weeks after the removal of two pens in two of the three toes operated on. at our local hospital. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Hello. I knew this sedentary lifestyle would be brutal. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. You also may have swelling in your foot. Bandages and stitches removed on day 15 (Dec. 6th) and there was an infection beside my right big toe. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! You may experience some swelling and bruise in the days following surgery, but this should subside within a few weeks. I will never wear normal trainers again, I'll only buy wide ones. However, you can repeat the cold therapy every hour if youd like. Bunion removed 12 yrs. I guess patience is KEY! It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Hammer toe repair - discharge: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Swollen toe after hammertoe surgery - foot-pain-explained.com What to Expect After the Procedure. After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. However, there are a couple of things to be wary of: i. 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. I am practically under house arrest. Registered in England and Wales. A person will need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. The first steps toward healing start right away. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. Day 11 my right foot started stinging, stabbing and feeling not right, but naturally I couldn't see anything because of the huge bandages. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. The level of pain after hammertoe and bunion surgery varies, depending on the procedures performed and your pain threshold 5. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. Learn more here. Swollen Toe After Hammertoe Surgery I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. Kudos to you! Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Patients usually have few. I am 65 and I do dancing for pleasure and exercise. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). Please help! Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. Locations Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. on the sides of my feet. If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. 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. I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. Hammer toe surgery can be highly effective in people for whom the primary or only issue is hammer toe. 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. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. 31st Oct 2018. Hammertoe Surgery | Milwaukee & Burlington WI The surgeon stresses the importance of that. thank you for your response. FAX: (603) 964-6515, SOMERSWORTH Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. The patient should understand that mild-to-moderate swelling persists for many months after surgery and limits footwear options until it has resolved. At some point, they will have to fit. Not what you're looking for? For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. 10 Tips for Foot Surgery Post-Op Recovery - Sandra Bornstein This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. The foot doctor said to massage it everyday, but after all this time it is still swollen and has a slight hump even though I did all that was said to do after he surgery. An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. A person can reduce the symptoms of a flexible hammer toe by avoiding high heels and wearing loose shoes that are at least a half-inch longer than the longest toe. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? 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. Last wk. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. Blog My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. When a hammer toe becomes problematic, surgery can be performed to remove part of the bone and release the contracted tendon.