Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. 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 received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. 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 feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. It felt good. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. 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. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. A tendon transfer pulls the toe into the correct position and often works well for a flexible hammer toe. 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! This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. CLICK HERE INSTEADvar cid='1957822116';var pid='ca-pub-1552388110506181';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} What to Expect After the Procedure. 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. Types of Hammertoe Surgery. The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! Some possible complications are: Pain or swelling Stiffness Nerve damage Infection Weakness in toe or toes Bones may not heal properly Blood clot Hammertoe reoccurrence Recovering From Hammertoe Correction Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. This article, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Not the most fashionable lol but it's a start!! I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. thank you for your words of encouragement. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. Did you try bare feet or socks around the house? I also interviewed a lot of doctors. I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. 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. on the sides of my feet. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. Registered in England and Wales. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? Pain and Swelling. According to Podiatry Today, this complication is usually due to the surgeon failing to isolate the exact underlying bio-mechanical cause of the deformity and correct it. 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. Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Patient Info Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. Somersworth, NH 03878 Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. Is swelling this high up away from the surgery normal. In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. And long walks. Hi Rebecca. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. 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. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. 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. Still swollen and painful. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat a hammer toe. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. This year it is not going to happen. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. 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. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Cosmetic Surgery 30 years experience. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. 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. This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. . There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. 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. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? I use the heavy black Frankenstein boot if go out. Keep in touch! 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. Read More. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! Hammer toe is a condition where one of the toes becomes stiff and bent, in a position resembling the shape of a hammer. Simply click here to return to. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. Be well! There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. These traditional procedures require larger incisions which can lead to post-operative swelling and visible scarring. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? So now the other foot was done on the 19th of November although it was the same surgery completely different experience I was up and around after five days although my foot was sore it was mostly in the night it would wake me up the swelling is minimal I have to be honest its the 14th of December 2019 and I have my sneakers on although when I do walk I have to walk quite slowly but sometimes I dont sometimes it slightly swollen sometimes its not so I think really and truly how are you can recover has a lot to do with your body and how it works what I would suggest is taking vitamin di vitamin see and high-strength visuals that is the difference this time to the last time I started taking these six weeks prior to having my surgery I really do believe they made a difference but remember youve just had a massive Surgery and trauma to your foot so just try to keep it elevated as much as possible doing lots of fluid and take supplements that are naturally sourced to help with your recovery you will not regret it in the end you will have a lovely feet I am so happy. Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily? 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. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. 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. My big toe doesn't move at all now, & the one next to it is starting to go under neath the big toe, & the next 2 toes are always sore & swollen. This is called amputation. I am 33 weeks PO. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. how ate you now? Thank you for that. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. You are lucky to live in So. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. I started wearing soft sneakers late in September and I am now able to wear flat boots (although I sized up for my boots and wear thick warm socks underneath cause my feet are always cold). | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. My incisions are pretty much healed now. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. I had surgery November 21st, bunions on both feet and hammertoe fusion on my second toe, left foot (which actually is more painful and weird feeling than the bunion toes). Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Bunion and 6-week post-op. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. This is clear evidence that the ROM exercises have not accomplished the expected results. It's Summer here, the trainers and socks make my feet hot and look ridiculous with little summer dresses. The fingers or toes may also be warm and difficult . When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. Strangely feels good to have someone to snivel with. Starting soon after surgery, taking an over the counter medicine such as Pericolace can help. Specially designed footwear will also have to be worn after bunion surgery, just like after correcting hammertoes. She earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from William Paterson University. We are committed to providing educational information because, at Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. Thank you ladies! 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. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. I am in constant pain. He told me he does not recommend it because he found that PT may increase the chance of bunions coming back. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. Contact Us Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions before the procedure, so lets see how you can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. I'm now 10 months post op and doing well. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . I had 2 bunions and all 5 hammertoes on right foot done 4 mths ago. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Should I try the colban wrap? Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. I know it will all be worth it and I have no sign of bunions now at all, which is wonderful! Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce 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. Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. 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. 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. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. I still can't drive as my right foot is my braking foot and still too sore. 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. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I still have the strips in the other places. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. You may even experience tingling or burning as your foot heals. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. im the same as you. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. 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. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. 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. For the correction of flexible hammertoes, soft tissue release is often used and this will maintain the structural stability of the toe. (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. All that you need is a piece of tape. About Us Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. 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. 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. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. Doctor's PA offered no solution. 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. at our local hospital. 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. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. Read our editorial policy. 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'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. 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. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. However, if your toe is swollen and it hurts, your doctor will prescribe some over-the-counter pain medications that will help with both swelling and pain. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. 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. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce 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. Home My doctors visit is in 3.5 weeks away and I need to end the pain and reduce swelling now. They will slowly get better with time. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. . You are to . Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. You can have sedation, but its not necessary. I know that swelling is normal and it will last quite a while. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. I wish I didn't have the surgery. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. 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. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. 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. appreciate it. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Have you experienced this? The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! You may experience some swelling and bruise in the days following surgery, but this should subside within a few weeks. And that open toe surgical sandal. Is it because of the swelling? I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel? In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. It's very painful. 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. White blood cells in your . We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? 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 . I will never wear normal trainers again, I'll only buy wide ones. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. Join in and write your own page! 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. as being in breach of those terms. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. Often elevation will help. A broken pinky toe can cause swelling and pain. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. 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. 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. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. Seabrook, NH 03874 We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Thank you. Or should I check in with my dr. 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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. 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. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. It also permanently changes the foots appearance and can be riskier and harder to recover from than some other surgeries.