The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. Is this normal. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. 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. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. 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. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. 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. Hi Rebecca. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. I am 33 weeks PO. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. really regreting this surgery now. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. I rotate different day but ALWAYS make sure to keep my foot up for a WHOLE day unless I have to use the restroom..haha. In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. by Sheri. It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. If you have pins or screws in your toe, they may be taken out a few weeks after the operation.. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. Hang in there, we will get there. A tendon transfer pulls the toe into the correct position and often works well for a flexible hammer toe. Cosmetic Surgery 30 years experience. After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Services at our local hospital. I'm not sure if this is normal. After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. 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 . Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. 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. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. I don't think that would be helpful for healing, since we've had major work done on our bones and I don't want to ruin that. Thank you! Yesterday was actually my first trip out to a store to buy a bottle of wine to take to a holiday party. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. 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. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. I have an insert in the second toe. My incisions are pretty much healed now. Join in and write your own page! It also permanently changes the foots appearance and can be riskier and harder to recover from than some other surgeries. If that fails, surgery might be the only option. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. All rights reserved. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. I do not have any pain in my toes; however they still look swollen and do bend like the other toes. 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. Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. 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. Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). Kudos to you! I would like to know.When you have excessive swelling,why do your toes look shorter? im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. 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. I want to wear something on my feet that doesn't hurt and that makes me feel normal. This means you need to draw an imaginary figure A, then B, then C and so on, all the way to Z. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? 5. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. When I take it off it feels better. This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. 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. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). Bunion and 6-week post-op. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. 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. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. . Tendons attach muscle to bone. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. Is swelling this high up away from the surgery normal. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. Posted Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. 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. In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? Weve explained all the options in the text below. The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. Foot Surgery I was allowed back in normal shoes after 7 weeks but at first I could only wear sandals, then aqua shoes for quite a while. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. It was so great to get to your A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. 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. I appreciate you having this website. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. Or should I check in with my dr. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. Simona, I can so relate! i have an infection in one of my toes. 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 wish I didn't have the surgery. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Starting soon after surgery, taking an over the counter medicine such as Pericolace can help. My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. I wonder when I'll be able to go for a walk and not end up limping and hobbling because my feet have swollen. Keep in touch! Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. 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. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. 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. I take 800mg ibuprofen (prescribed) too keep the swelling down and also take my percs for pain. 3 years ago, It felt good. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. I am practically under house arrest. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. And I cannot stand up and cook either. Ahammertoeis a deformity of your toe, where the middle joint is pulled out of alignment by tight muscles or tendons. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. 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. This is not wise. Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions before the procedure, so lets see how you can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. Thanks for a most interesting website, which has helped a lot. 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 . My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. Yay.. 1st shower( without pin and plastic cover) at 6 weeks too. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Locations I've been really isolated. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. 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. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily? Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. 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 was told that after 3 days I could take a normal shower and be able to soak my foot too. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. Thank you ladies! | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. 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. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. Hammertoes develop when a muscle imbalance develops and from wearing shoes that cramp your toes, like high heels or shoes with pointed, narrow toe boxes. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. 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. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. thank you for your response. Cal. My feet are not sore to walk at all! Once the incisions heal and the swelling subsides, the patient can gradually apply weight and move. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. 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. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. To understand this, its crucial to know that every surgery presents a certain level of trauma to the tissue even quick, outpatient procedures like minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Resources The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. 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. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! A rigid hammer toe means the joint is no longer movable. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. // 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. Day 11 my right foot started stinging, stabbing and feeling not right, but naturally I couldn't see anything because of the huge bandages. Did you try bare feet or socks around the house? After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Thank you. Patients usually have few. Ask an Expert Medical Questions I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe Dr. B., Doctor 7,827 Satisfied Customers Physician with 8 years of experience. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. It depends on the type of surgery. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. It's very painful. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. Any advice would be appreciated. Hammertoe surgery is considered quite a simple procedure, but even the simplest surgeries can have some complications. Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. Simona I'm at the exact same place in my recovery, 6 weeks from bunion, hammertoe and tailors bunion surgery Oct 30, 2019. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. The incision will probably leave a scar. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. im the same as you. Take your antibiotics religiously and expect swelling for a long time, so put your feet up often. 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 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! respect of any healthcare matters. I use the heavy black Frankenstein boot if go out. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . 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. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. The level of pain after hammertoe and bunion surgery varies, depending on the procedures performed and your pain threshold 5. Luckily, these scars are small and often fade over time. Seabrook, NH 03874 Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery. 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. 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. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. 325-1 Lafayette Road You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. 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. 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. How? It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. In most cases, patients will use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. As tlw described, I do the toe curling and also a stretching exercise with my 2 affected toes on my left foot - the doctor said twice a day - but the infection in my right foot has meant I couldn't exercise that toe; it's quite stiff by comparison. I am in constant pain. 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. Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. 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. But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. Your surgeon may use an X-ray machine or a thin surgical tool with a camera mounted on the tip to create images of your toes to guide the surgical procedure. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. 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). 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). What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? And long walks. When a muscle gets too weak, it can put pressure on the tendons of the toe. thank you for your words of encouragement. Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. 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. Thank you for that. Thank you. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. I try but it simply doesn't work. 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(?) Take care! But you will see such a significant change in the feeling, swelling and bruising. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Bunionectomy and Neuroma Removal After image taken 12 weeks post surgery. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. A host of potential complications may result from hammertoe surgery and the most common list includes but is not limited to: infection, neuritis, painful or unsightly scarring, chronic swelling, malunion or nonunion of bone, and recurrence of deformity. Stitches (25) removed at week 2. Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication according to your doctor's instructions. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics.