Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? Less trauma equals less pain, inflammation, and downtime for you. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. 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. I'm 4 weeks post op bunion and hammer toe surgery. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). Privacy Policy, SEABROOK Focus on the benefits of your surgery rather than the frustrations that normally encompass a surgical procedure. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. All rights reserved. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! My feet are not sore to walk at all! I've found when I've tried bare feet, maybe when I've sat down with my feet elevated and then realised I forgot to get something, that it hurts and I tend to automatically keep my toes up and walk(?) In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. It still hurts to walk. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. It's easy to do. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. Tendons attach muscle to bone. Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. This means a person may go home the same day the surgery is performed. Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. im hobbling. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! Still swollen and painful. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend bunion surgery. I was looking forward to my hammertoe pin removal and clearance to begin weight bearing but its just such a battle of swelling and pain. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. I am in constant pain. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . on the sides of my feet. However, you can repeat the cold therapy every hour if youd like. thank you for your words of encouragement. I had 2 bunions and all 5 hammertoes on right foot done 4 mths ago. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. Your podiatric surgeon inserts specially designed surgical tools through the incision to release the tight tendons and muscles. 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. The next day I ended up going to UC. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . My feet peeled like crazy too. 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. 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. Hammer toes can become painful over time, as the joints lose flexibility. I live in Southern California so I can at least sit outside and don't have to deal with weather. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. 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. FAX: (603) 964-6515. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. When hammertoes are diagnosed and treated early, you can usually avoid surgery. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. I only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. And long walks. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? At some point, they will have to fit. Starting soon after surgery, taking an over the counter medicine such as Pericolace can help. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . 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. The surgery should not hurt. 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?". A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. Everything look good,until the day I hit my toes.My surgeon told it's all the swelling and that's why they look short. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. Well, I tried with wide, large sneakers and then wide Lem shoes and my foot does not fit into anything. A 2005 study of 12 older adults who had toes amputated found that the procedure could alleviate pain, and people were typically very satisfied with surgical outcomes. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. thank you for your response. 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 still have the strips in the other places. For many people, the continued use of conventional footwear (i.e., shoes that possess heel elevation, toe spring, toe taper, and rigid, inflexible soles) after surgery encourages a recurrence of the original problem, be it a neuroma, a hammertoe, or a bunion. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. Not the most fashionable lol but it's a start!! Patient is a UK registered trade mark. My incisions are pretty much healed now. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. I have a return visit with the doctor which is 6 weeks after the removal of two pens in two of the three toes operated on. 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. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. Appointments & Locations. In most cases, patients will use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. The first steps toward healing start right away. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? I really don't want to go through another surgery on this toe, I had a pin at the end of my toe for three weeks and had to stay off my foot for 3 weeks. i did 4 toes 2 on each foot. 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. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. 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. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. 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. 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. Hello. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. This is clear evidence that the ROM exercises have not accomplished the expected results. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Take care! Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. I use the heavy black Frankenstein boot if go out. How? After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. Seems so strange to have such a minor work out be so hard. Foot Surgery So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted?