swelling after hammertoe surgery

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. I am thinking of doing swimming exercise 2x a wk. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. Tendons attach muscle to bone. Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. at our local hospital. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. I was happy with the results, except for my second toe being the same length as my big toe. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. All rights reserved. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. 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! 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. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. 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. Often elevation will help. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. Thank you. While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. Also, as the joints are left intact, your recovery time is much shorter. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. 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. Holiday shopping on Amazon. Of course, resting is an important part of your recovery its crucial after every surgery. Not the most fashionable lol but it's a start!! I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel? What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. I'm not sure if this is normal. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? The next day I ended up going to UC. I am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. Kudos to you! You are lucky to live in So. 3 years ago, Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. 31st Oct 2018. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. Types of Hammertoe Surgery. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). 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. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. After a hammertoe surgery, a mild swelling is normal. Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily? 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. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! Hang in there, we will get there. Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. Seabrook, NH 03874 This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Privacy Policy, SEABROOK It helps but not much. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. Simona, I can so relate! Infection whenever there is an incision on your skin, an infection is a possibility. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Or should I check in with my dr. 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. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? In most cases, patients will use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Yay.. 1st shower( without pin and plastic cover) at 6 weeks too. 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 wonder when I'll be able to go for a walk and not end up limping and hobbling because my feet have swollen. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. How? I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. 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. I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. 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. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. All that you need is a piece of tape. We are committed to providing educational information because, at Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Seabrook (603) 964-6555 After surgery, you may have a wire or pin holding your toe joint together. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. And your site is so intelligently arranged. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. Thank you ladies! 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. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. Seems so strange to have such a minor work out be so hard. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. Any advice would be appreciated. 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. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. Hammer toe surgery can be highly effective in people for whom the primary or only issue is hammer toe. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions before the procedure, so lets see how you can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? Stage 1: Swelling. 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 is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. I hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. I still can't drive as my right foot is my braking foot and still too sore. 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. It is swollen and frozen. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. A doctor may also. And I cannot stand up and cook either. How is this expected to continue? To help further, the foot needs to be kept elevated so that the swelling subsides. 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. Bunion Correction Surgery. 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. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. 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 is not wise. You also may have swelling in your foot. 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. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Somersworth, NH 03878 respect of any healthcare matters. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. But you will see such a significant change in the feeling, swelling and bruising. When a muscle gets too weak, it can put pressure on the tendons of the toe. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". 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. All rights reserved. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. When I take it off it feels better. Marc Mitnick DPM Mar 10, 2017 Rating different toes by: Stefany What is your experience with walking around in the house just in socks or even bare feet? I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. 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. Nevertheless, I was happy with the results. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. I still have the strips in the other places. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. Traditional vs Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery. It felt good. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Is it because of the swelling? 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. I would like to know.When you have excessive swelling,why do your toes look shorter? Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). 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. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. 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. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. Stitches are eliminated after 7 to 21 days. 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). Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). We avoid using tertiary references. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. 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. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. I started to wrap my toe with coban this week like Dr. Mitnick suggests. But you might have to try a few different shoes before you find the right ones. However, there are a couple of things to be wary of: i. by Sheri. Can you do something to help yourself get through the recovery period as smoothly as possible? Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. 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. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. 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. 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. EASILY and QUICKLY! To realize just how lucky you are just living in a warmer climate, think that we had snow over here, and obviously it was quite chilly. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. It depends on the type of surgery. Appointments 216.444.2606. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. Join in and write your own page! Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. 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. 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. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. I had to laugh at your description of your husband ripping off the steri strips but ouch! Thank you for that. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. 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. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk!