Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. on the sides of my feet. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. 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. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. It is also possible for a corn to develop over the prominent joint. While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. Stage 1: Swelling. Pins to be removed next week. Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. Bunion removed 12 yrs. It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. 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. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. 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. I am practically under house arrest. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. I am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. You may experience some swelling and bruise in the days following surgery, but this should subside within a few weeks. I was lucky it was summertime. I started to wrap my toe with coban this week like Dr. Mitnick suggests. After picture taken immediately after surgery. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. All that you need is a piece of tape. If you have bunions that cause big toe pain, call your healthcare provider for treatment. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. Still swollen and painful. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed Over time, the toe muscles grow weaker and are no longer able to straighten the toe. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. by Sheri. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. 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. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. how ate you now? Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Specially designed footwear will also have to be worn after bunion surgery, just like after correcting hammertoes. Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. Is this normal. It takes a long time to get back to normal. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. 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. If that fails, surgery might be the only option. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. respect of any healthcare matters. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! Holiday shopping on Amazon. In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. 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 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. He told me he does not recommend it because he found that PT may increase the chance of bunions coming back. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. all hammertoe , no bunion. I will never wear normal trainers again, I'll only buy wide ones. And yes my foot was swellon for 4months I could get into a Reebok cloth tennis shoe it will take time i hope all goes well for you. I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis. Your podiatric surgeon inserts specially designed surgical tools through the incision to release the tight tendons and muscles. Hammertoe surgery may be the best option for patients who are still in pain after trying non-invasive hammertoe treatments. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. 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). Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot 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. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. Contact Us So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? I normally never wear trainers except for the gym; they have always made my feet feel claustrophobic , and they go with none of the sort of clothes I wear. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really White blood cells in your . This is not wise. The thinner the person the greater the positive impa, One of the best ways to help yourself heal faster after surgery is to eat well. 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. Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. 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. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? I guess I keep doing so. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. I want myself back! An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. Foot Surgery Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. I've been really isolated. Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. 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. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). If you have a hammertoe or are concerned that a hammertoe is developing,contact us at Nagy Footcarefor effective diagnosis and treatment. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. Our best day is when you wake up without foot pain. It still hurts to walk. 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. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. 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. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. Less trauma equals less pain, inflammation, and downtime for you. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. If the pain in your, Monday Thursday: 9AM 7PM Friday Saturday: 9AM 7PM Sunday: Closed, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the, How Much Does Hallux Rigidus Surgery Cost, How Long Is the Stem Cell Therapy Recovery Process, Which Is Better, PRP or Stem Cell Therapy, What to Expect After Hallux Rigidus Surgery. I can't do any of that, and so now don't get that regular social exposure to my gym and dance friends. You also may have swelling in your foot. 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. I'm disappointed in the look of my toes. It is swollen and frozen. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. Tendons attach muscle to bone. I have an insert in the second toe. The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. 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. 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. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. 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. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. Services We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. Pain and Swelling. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? 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. (603) 964-6555 And long walks. Before we get into the details of what to expect during and after hammertoe surgery, lets take a step back and review the basics about hammertoes. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? It's very painful. I knew this sedentary lifestyle would be brutal. The incision will probably leave a scar. (603) 516-4411 My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. 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. Weve explained all the options in the text below. I do not have any pain in my toes; however they still look swollen and do bend like the other toes. What did you do? I use the heavy black Frankenstein boot if go out. I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. The level of pain after hammertoe and bunion surgery varies, depending on the procedures performed and your pain threshold 5. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. Somersworth, NH 03878 I appreciate you having this website. Ahammertoeis a deformity of your toe, where the middle joint is pulled out of alignment by tight muscles or tendons. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. I am thinking of doing swimming exercise 2x a wk. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I also interviewed a lot of doctors. Bunion and 6-week post-op. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. 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. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Removing the forces that caused these problems in the first place (e.g., pinching . The first steps toward healing start right away. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. Registered in England and Wales. Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? About Us I know it will all be worth it and I have no sign of bunions now at all, which is wonderful! 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. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. 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. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. Its important to note that you should never put ice directly on your skin instead, place a thin cloth when applying ice packs. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. This is called amputation. Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. How? After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. 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. Locations However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. really regreting this surgery now. 3 years ago, With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . I only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. 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. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions before the procedure, so lets see how you can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. I still have the strips in the other places. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . 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. Often elevation will help. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. Thank you. This causes problems with balance and weight-bearing. Appointments & Locations. How are you now? My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend bunion surgery. Types of Hammertoe 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. The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. Thank you ladies! This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-4-0');MedlinePlus, Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. I still can't drive as my right foot is my braking foot and still too sore. When a hammer toe causes pain, and other treatments fail, surgery may be the only option for correcting the joint. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. Posted Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. You can have sedation, but its not necessary. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. Bunionectomy and Neuroma Removal After image taken 12 weeks post surgery. Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. Read More. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. 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. This article, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. 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. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. My foot feels better than it has in months. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. A flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. It's easy to do. 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. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Here is a suggestio. You will need to wrap the tape under the big toe, over the hammer toe, and under the toe next to the hammertoe to help keep it in a straight . Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. But when an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis causes a hammer toe, doctors may recommend treating that condition first. Not what you're looking for? 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. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. People with hammer toe may also develop corns or calluses at the top of the joint from the toe rubbing on poorly fitted shoes. Patient Info "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. im hobbling. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. Did you try bare feet or socks around the house? You should elevate your leg above the level of your heart if youre lying down, put the leg against the wall or on the pillow. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. The surgery should not hurt. And I cannot stand up and cook either. This means you need to draw an imaginary figure A, then B, then C and so on, all the way to Z.