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! In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. Bandages and stitches removed on day 15 (Dec. 6th) and there was an infection beside my right big toe. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. 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). The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. Bunion Correction Surgery. A tendon transfer pulls the toe into the correct position and often works well for a flexible hammer toe. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. Bunion removed 12 yrs. 5. Hi Rebecca. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. Home 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. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. It should also reduce pain. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. Our best day is when you wake up without foot pain. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. In some cases, you may need to stay off of your feet for a few days. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. Somersworth (603) 516-4411. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. I was lucky it was summertime. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Is this normal. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. 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. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. Be well! Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. 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. I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. It is normal to experience swelling and pain after foot surgery especially if tissue has been cut or removed and bones were moved back into place. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. In some cases, a keloid scar can form. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified 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. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. 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 . Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. Use life-giving positivity to put the breaks on your negative thoughts and negative life-draining negativity. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. I have iced, soaked & elevated my foot & got no relief. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. Have you experienced this? What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. Read our editorial policy. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Hammertoe surgery may be the best option for patients who are still in pain after trying non-invasive hammertoe treatments. Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor 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. What did you do? Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. 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. How are you now? Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit . 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. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. I do have a device to put on toe for swelling. You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. During a lapiplasty, our surgeons use tiny, highly specialized tools to completely rotate your misaligned metatarsal bone. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. 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. respect of any healthcare matters. Somersworth, NH 03878 Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. 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. If that fails, surgery might be the only option. Hammer toe repair - discharge. All rights reserved. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. Stitches (25) removed at week 2. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. 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 And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Recovery Time The amount of time it will take you to recover from hammertoe surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery performed, but generally, you can expect the following: Bunion Surgery: And I cannot stand up and cook either. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. 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. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? I wish I didn't have the surgery. 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. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! All that you need is a piece of tape. Since reading several patient accounts I now realize the recovery is likely 3-5 months. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. 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. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. The incision will probably leave a scar. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend bunion surgery. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. When a hammer toe becomes problematic, surgery can be performed to remove part of the bone and release the contracted tendon. 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. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. Doctor's PA offered no solution. Simply click here to return to. I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. Posted Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! 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. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. 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. 3 years ago, at our local hospital. Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. And your site is so intelligently arranged. Before we get into the details of what to expect during and after hammertoe surgery, lets take a step back and review the basics about hammertoes. 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. Also, as the joints are left intact, your recovery time is much shorter. It was so great to get to your Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. The type of hammer toe determines treatment options. Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. Thank you. Contact Us My incisions are pretty much healed now. I still have the strips in the other places. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. 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. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . 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. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? appropriate medical assistance immediately. Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. You are to . Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Still swollen and painful. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? 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. The typical recovery duration after bunion surgery is 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. as being in breach of those terms. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. All rights reserved. So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. 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. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. 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. 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. thank you for your words of encouragement. The next day I ended up going to UC. 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. A flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! 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. I want myself back! My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! After surgery, you will need to wear a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for 3 to 6 weeks. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back.