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. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. Or should I check in with my dr. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. According to MedlinePlus, a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that appears red and inflamed, and possibly painful 2. But when an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis causes a hammer toe, doctors may recommend treating that condition first. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. 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. I have an insert in the second toe. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. This is why I had to have another surgery.I injured my 3rd&4th toe in the shower while shaving my legs. This happened 2/4/2017. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. Surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat a hammer toe. It's easy to do. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. thank you for your words of encouragement. 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. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Kudos to you! I'm not sure if this is normal. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. During that time, there are some things you can do to ensure you heal properly and minimize the pain and swelling (these two often go hand in hand). People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. 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 . Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. The surgeon stresses the importance of that. Seabrook, NH 03874 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. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic 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. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . 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. All that you need is a piece of tape. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. 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. Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. I guess I keep doing so. The surgery should not hurt. Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. And I cannot stand up and cook either. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. Today I will take my first full shower, including my operated foot which hasn't seen water since October 31. (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. Recovery after hammertoe surgery will be different for every patient, length of time to full recovery will depend on following doctor's instructions. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. Thank you. I take 800mg ibuprofen (prescribed) too keep the swelling down and also take my percs for pain. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. This is called amputation. This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. There are two distinct types: In the early stages, the joint is still movable. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. What to Expect After the Procedure. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. 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 . I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. Your doctor may suggest that you elevate for about 30 minutes every two hours or on an as-needed basis if you notice a high amount of swelling or pain after the initial . Appointments & Locations. Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. Home Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. FAX: (603) 964-6515, SOMERSWORTH Our board . It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. At some point, they will have to fit. A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. Locations A person will need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. It still hurts to walk. 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. Some days the swelling is worst than others. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the 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. 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. For this surgery, a doctor cuts ligaments and tendons to help straighten the toe and may also remove a portion of the bone. Read our editorial policy. I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. respect of any healthcare matters. After picture taken immediately after surgery. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. A flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. I wish I didn't have the 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. 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. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. Rarely, the pain and swelling can become permanent. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". Gallentine, J. W., & DeOrio, J. K. (2005, May). Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. 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. I planned my surgery and attempted to plan my sedentary time to do my end of year Continuing Education (retired accountant) and I'm taking a very intensive online class, which I'd never commit to if I were mobile. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Cal. I put antibiotic ointment over that open wound and my husband taped over the wound and all around the foot. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. 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. Surgery might be your only solution for severe pain and discomfort caused by hallux rigidus, but there are some expenses to take into account if, If you suffer from arthritis, stem cell injections can be used as a form of treatment in addition to the common orthopedic care. White blood cells in your . 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. If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. (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. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. 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. This means a person may go home the same day the surgery is performed. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. I have iced, soaked & elevated my foot & got no relief. FAX: (603) 964-6515. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. 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. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. Your doctor will inform you about all the possible risks before you schedule the procedure, but here are a few of the most common surgery-related complications that can happen: Before you book a hammertoe surgery, you will have to come in for a consultation with a podiatrist. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. When I take it off it feels better. It should also reduce pain. Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. If you don't elevate, fluid may collect in the foot and cause additional pain. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. Hang in there, we will get there. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. 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. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Doctor's PA offered no solution. Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. by Sheri. Now, since that yanking episode, it hurts to even flex my foot minimally. Simona I'm at the exact same place in my recovery, 6 weeks from bunion, hammertoe and tailors bunion surgery Oct 30, 2019. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. 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. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. 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 did 4 toes 2 on each foot. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! Embrace Positivity. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. 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. 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. Keep in touch! 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. 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. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. I knew this sedentary lifestyle would be brutal. Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! Simply click here to return to. 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. 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. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months.