Ahammertoeis a deformity of your toe, where the middle joint is pulled out of alignment by tight muscles or tendons. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! Hi Rebecca. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. Should I try the colban wrap? I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. All rights reserved. Rarely, the pain and swelling can become permanent. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. 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. Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. In fact we go no where. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified 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. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. Web design by: Half a Bubble Out | Marketing & Advertising, minimally invasive approach to 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. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . . I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. I have iced, soaked & elevated my foot & got no relief. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. At my drs request I stretch my toe up and down daily and curl my toes to start stretching the ligaments. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. My feet are not sore to walk at all! You are to . We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. ago, which ultimately proved to be an over correction. It should also reduce pain. When I take it off it feels better. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. Thank you. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. 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. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? It makes it feel so much better all day but I found if I leave it on when I go to bed, the toe aches and I have to take it off. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. 5. Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. 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. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the 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. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery? I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. Simona, I can so relate! I had bunion & second & third hammertoe,surgery aug 16th, pins were pulled Sept 27, 5 days ago, third toe, looks like it is curling down ward & is very swollen still, is it possible the bone fractured on removal of the pin, it didn't hurt too bad to have pins pulled, but the next 2 days after were bad, did a lot of icing & elevatingIt seems my ankle, calf & across top of foot is still swelling a lot when on it for more than an hour. I guess I keep doing so. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. 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. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. Patients usually have few. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. I had surgery Oct. 6, Last week I was given the ok to wear shoes. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. How? Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. A few weeks after surgery, the doctor will remove any stitches or pins. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! Take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication according to your doctor's instructions. I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. really regreting this surgery now. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. The most common surgical techniques employed to address the rigid or so-called fixed hammertoe deformities are PIPJ resection arthroplasty or PIPJ arthrodesis. Locations FAX: (603) 964-6515. A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. Weve explained all the options in the text below. 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. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. Traditionally, hammertoe surgery involved incisions alongthe tops of your toes, which allowed your podiatric surgeon to release your affected toe joints and the tight tendons and muscles. I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. Bunionectomy and Neuroma Removal After image taken 12 weeks post surgery. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. My doctor, voted best in my state, did not put any permanent hardware in my foot and he also does not believe in physical therapy. My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. I am in constant pain. I have an insert in the second toe. But you will see such a significant change in the feeling, swelling and bruising. Keep in touch! effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. You had surgery to repair your hammer toe. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis. 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. Doctor's PA offered no solution. 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. It still hurts to walk. Its important to note that you should never put ice directly on your skin instead, place a thin cloth when applying ice packs. Hammertoe surgery is considered quite a simple procedure, but even the simplest surgeries can have some complications. 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. Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. Here is a suggestio. 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. Gallentine, J. W., & DeOrio, J. K. (2005, May). It's 5 weeks today since my surgery. 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). Is swelling this high up away from the surgery normal. 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. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. Your podiatric surgeon inserts specially designed surgical tools through the incision to release the tight tendons and muscles. I've been really isolated. We are committed to providing educational information because, at Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. Taping the affected toe is also a common treatment method for hammertoe. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. It felt good. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. This year it is not going to happen. Thank you. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. 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. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. You may experience some swelling and bruise in the days following surgery, but this should subside within a few weeks. I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! But when an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis causes a hammer toe, doctors may recommend treating that condition first. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. A person will need to avoid putting weight on the foot for several weeks. Then I bought a pair of Merrel shoes (almost bear foot with wide front), those were comfortable. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. 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. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. Kudos to you! In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. In this procedure, the surgeon removes portions of the joint to allow bones to grow together. 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 only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. 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. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. 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. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in 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. 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. Since reading several patient accounts I now realize the recovery is likely 3-5 months. Seabrook (603) 964-6555 While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. 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 . 23 users are following. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? how ate you now? I still have the strips in the other places. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. Thank you. Hammer toe is a condition where one of the toes becomes stiff and bent, in a position resembling the shape of a hammer. They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. We avoid using tertiary references. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? A broken pinky toe can cause swelling and pain. Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. Have you experienced this? I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. I want to wear something on my feet that doesn't hurt and that makes me feel normal. 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. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really im hobbling. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. It's easy to do. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. You can have sedation, but its not necessary. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Because of supply chain shortages as well as staffing shortages particularly during the pandemic, many institutions extended the time between dressing changes for chronic wounds. Now, since that yanking episode, it hurts to even flex my foot minimally. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. 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. 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. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. 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. This means you need to draw an imaginary figure A, then B, then C and so on, all the way to Z. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. Last wk. Every doctor will tell you to elevate your leg after hammertoe surgery, and the reason for that is simple elevation will help with the lymphatic drainage and ensure the swelling goes down quicker. Removing the forces that caused these problems in the first place (e.g., pinching . In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. . I was prescribed antibiotics but 2 days later (a Sunday) I wasn't improving, the seeping and pain was getting worse, so I went to the Emergency dept. The foot doctor said to massage it everyday, but after all this time it is still swollen and has a slight hump even though I did all that was said to do after he surgery. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. 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. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce pain. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? I still can't drive as my right foot is my braking foot and still too sore. Hammer toes can become painful over time, as the joints lose flexibility. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. Over time, the toe muscles grow weaker and are no longer able to straighten the toe. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing 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. My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Blog What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? 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. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel? 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. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. Cosmetic Surgery 30 years experience. 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. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. All rights reserved. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. Swelling and pain are common after hammertoe surgery, up to a point, so if your pain is beyond the expected normal, your surgeon should be made aware of it. The incision will probably leave a scar. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. White blood cells in your . Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. My doctors visit is in 3.5 weeks away and I need to end the pain and reduce swelling now. 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 guess patience is KEY! Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. Patient Info When you are showering or bathing, the foot has to be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. 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. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. My incisions are pretty much healed now. How? Pain and Swelling. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. A doctor may also. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. 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. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Seabrook, NH 03874 Read our editorial policy. The problem is that my foot is too swollen and too frozen in place to be able to fit into even a wide, larger soft shoe. But I cannot wear even wide, soft sneakers. Are there lighter weight boots for small frame, small boned woman? Thank you for that. Our board . I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. Pin came out 2 weeks ago and I can not feel this toe. Stage 1: Swelling. And that open toe surgical sandal. 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. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed.
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