swelling after hammertoe surgery swelling after hammertoe surgery

If you have a hammertoe or are concerned that a hammertoe is developing,contact us at Nagy Footcarefor effective diagnosis and treatment. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. 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. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. 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. Its important to note that you should never put ice directly on your skin instead, place a thin cloth when applying ice packs. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. About Us However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? I still have the strips in the other places. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. Is this normal. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. My incisions are pretty much healed now. I am 33 weeks PO. Kudos to you! I hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. Appointments 216.444.2606. 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. You also may have swelling in your foot. How? Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. 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. Blog FAILURE TO KEEP THE FOOT ELEVATED DURING THE FIRST WEEK CAN RESULT IN SWELLING, PAIN, HEMATOMA, AND INFECTION AND NOT ONLY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE RECOVERY BUT ALSO PLACE THE FOOT AT RISK. 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. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. 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. This article, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. It should also reduce pain. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . 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. Hammer toe surgery can be highly effective in people for whom the primary or only issue is hammer toe. I am practically under house arrest. It depends on the type of surgery. The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. Seabrook (603) 964-6555 Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. 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 . Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. Bunionectomy and Neuroma Removal After image taken 12 weeks post surgery. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. Thank you for that. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. It felt good. 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. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. EASILY and QUICKLY! Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. FAX: (603) 964-6515, SOMERSWORTH Hello. i have an infection in one of my toes. Some medical teams have the option of offering, Having hallux rigidus, also known as a stiff big toe, can make standing or walking difficult because of the pain. If you don't elevate, fluid may collect in the foot and cause additional pain. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. And to go out of the house, and into the car, I had to navigate a good number of stone steps, icy, and snowy, dragging myself on my butt since I wasn't allowed to bear any weight. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. all hammertoe , no bunion. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Ugg boots are tolerable . I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. Hammer toe repair - discharge. A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. And I cannot stand up and cook either. 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. What did you do? (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. In fact we go no where. I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. 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. 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. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. 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. I am in constant pain. So, I do minimal walking. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. Hammertoes are common in women who wear high heels and children who wear shoes that are too small. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? Join in and write your own page! I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. . Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. The typical recovery duration after bunion surgery is 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). All rights reserved. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. Locations They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. If youre living with the pain and mobility issues caused by ahammertoe, a minimally invasive surgery to correct your toe deformity may be the best treatment to resolve your symptoms. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit . Simona, I can so relate! Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Read our editorial policy. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. Be well! 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. 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 . In some cases, a keloid scar can form. Today I will take my first full shower, including my operated foot which hasn't seen water since October 31. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. 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. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. I am able to get on a running shoe but is so painful after a short time. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. 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. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. 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. In this procedure, the surgeon removes portions of the joint to allow bones to grow together. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. 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 am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. I have an insert in the second toe. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. 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. Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. This year it is not going to happen. 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. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. Services Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. Now, since that yanking episode, it hurts to even flex my foot minimally. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. It's easy to do. Once the incisions heal and the swelling subsides, the patient can gradually apply weight and move. You will be able to carry your weight the same day after the procedure, and its recommended that you walk a little bit each day. 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. When a hammer toe causes pain, and other treatments fail, surgery may be the only option for correcting the joint. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) I put antibiotic ointment over that open wound and my husband taped over the wound and all around the foot. I'm so paranoid and just want a 2nd opinion. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? The next day I ended up going to UC. My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. Resources An orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist can help a person correct the problem before surgery becomes necessary, so anyone experiencing symptoms of hammer toe should speak to their doctor before allowing it to get worse. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. It helps but not much. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. 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. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. It is also possible for a corn to develop over the prominent joint. I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. 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. 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. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Pain and Swelling. You had surgery to repair your hammer toe. 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. People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. This is clear evidence that the ROM exercises have not accomplished the expected results. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. 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. I am limping along still in my neoprene surgical sandal. I've been really isolated. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. im the same as you. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. 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. Seems so strange to have such a minor work out be so hard. I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. Are there lighter weight boots for small frame, small boned woman? Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. as being in breach of those terms. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. I will NEVER have this surgery in the other foot! The surgeon did not instruct me to do any taping or PT or anything, he said I could resume normal activity. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. A few weeks after surgery, the doctor will remove any stitches or pins. I use the heavy black Frankenstein boot if go out. We avoid using tertiary references. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. 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. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! 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. If you have pins or screws in your toe, they may be taken out a few weeks after the operation.. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. 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. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. Somersworth, NH 03878 My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! How are you now? 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. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? You are lucky to live in So. A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. This is called amputation. 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. It's very painful. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. I am thinking of doing swimming exercise 2x a wk. I'm disappointed in the look of my toes. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. 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. Have you experienced this? Not the most fashionable lol but it's a start!! Nevertheless, I was happy with the results. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. All rights reserved. Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. I had to laugh at your description of your husband ripping off the steri strips but ouch! The fingers or toes may also be warm and difficult . The initial post-operative periodusually between 24 and 36 hours after surgerymay require constant or prolonged elevation to help wounds heal and bleeding subside. 31st Oct 2018. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. You may need to wear splints on your treated toes for up to six weeks and you may benefit from physical therapy to improve flexibility in your foot and to keep the muscles strong and supple while you heal. It takes a long time to get back to normal. 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. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Thank you. And your site is so intelligently arranged. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. . Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. by Sheri. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. 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. It still hurts to walk. I'm 4 weeks post op bunion and hammer toe surgery. All rights reserved. (603) 964-6555 I guess I keep doing so. Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. and rest with your foot propped up on a stack of pillows and apply ice for 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours to relieve swelling. I want myself back! The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. Day 11 my right foot started stinging, stabbing and feeling not right, but naturally I couldn't see anything because of the huge bandages. Often elevation will help. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis. Registered in England and Wales. Recovery after hammertoe surgery will be different for every patient, length of time to full recovery will depend on following doctor's instructions. How is this expected to continue? Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. 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. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. 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. Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. 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. Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. 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. Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in Is this really the be. It was very painful but after awhile it went away. Traditional procedures can take a few months, but minimally invasive ones will take only about 4-6 weeks. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal.