swelling after hammertoe surgery

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. 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. 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. Not what you're looking for? After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". Somersworth, NH 03878 Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. The fixation device loosens or becomes painful in about 1 to 3% of people. 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. Again, I want In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. Notes on 6 weeks after bunion/hammertoe surgery - foot quite swollen, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/6-weeks-after-bunion-hammertoe-surgery-foot-quite-swollen-722059. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. Doctor's PA offered no solution. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. How are you now? But you might have to try a few different shoes before you find the right ones. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. I want myself back! Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. Fusion procedures realign and fixate the bone in place which can limit . The sooner something is done, the less likely you will be left with residual problems. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Thank you. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . 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. 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. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. My incisions are pretty much healed now. Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. When you are showering or bathing, the foot has to be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. 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. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. I've been really isolated. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! 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). However, you can repeat the cold therapy every hour if youd like. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. I only realised that about a month ago but they've probably been good like that for 2 or 3 months. really regreting this surgery now. You are lucky to live in So. You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. 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. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. At my drs request I stretch my toe up and down daily and curl my toes to start stretching the ligaments. Gallentine, J. W., & DeOrio, J. K. (2005, May). I put antibiotic ointment over that open wound and my husband taped over the wound and all around the foot. My feet peeled like crazy too. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. 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. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. Hang in there, we will get there. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. 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 developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. I'm not sure if this is normal. People with hammer toe may also develop corns or calluses at the top of the joint from the toe rubbing on poorly fitted shoes. Hammertoe surgery may be the best option for patients who are still in pain after trying non-invasive hammertoe treatments. Our best day is when you wake up without foot pain. Over 300,000 hammertoe surgeries are performed each year. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting. FAILURE TO KEEP THE FOOT ELEVATED DURING THE FIRST WEEK CAN RESULT IN SWELLING, PAIN, HEMATOMA, AND INFECTION AND NOT ONLY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE RECOVERY BUT ALSO PLACE THE FOOT AT RISK. Join in and write your own page! EASILY and QUICKLY! Embrace Positivity. If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. It's easy to do. Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. Allowing adequate space for your toes will help relieve pressure and pain. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. When a muscle gets too weak, it can put pressure on the tendons of the toe. Thank you. I had surgery Oct. 6, Last week I was given the ok to wear shoes. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . 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. Keep in touch! Seabrook (603) 964-6555 The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. 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: 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. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Holiday shopping on Amazon. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. I use the heavy black Frankenstein boot if go out. We avoid using tertiary references. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. Resources Is this really the be. Some days the swelling is worst than others. Elevating the foot can speed up healing and reduce pain. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? 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. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. And I cannot stand up and cook either. Pain and Swelling 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. These traditional procedures require larger incisions which can lead to post-operative swelling and visible scarring. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. Last wk. According to MedlinePlus, a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that appears red and inflamed, and possibly painful 2. 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. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. 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. 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. The initial post-operative periodusually between 24 and 36 hours after surgerymay require constant or prolonged elevation to help wounds heal and bleeding subside. Simona, I can so relate! Before, I had the bulky aircast boot for the first 2 weeks. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. It still hurts to walk. It's very painful. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. Still swollen and painful. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. . 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 . 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. Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. 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. 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. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. respect of any healthcare matters. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. I planned my surgery and attempted to plan my sedentary time to do my end of year Continuing Education (retired accountant) and I'm taking a very intensive online class, which I'd never commit to if I were mobile. 5. I am open to ANY and ALL suggestions that have proven helpful to keep the swelling down and END THE PAIN in my toes. Please give me some idea if this is normal!!!! My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. 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. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. 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. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. about laying down on sofa or bed with my feel elevated. 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. 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. 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. I know that swelling is normal and it will last quite a while. The first steps toward healing start right away. Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. However, you can often begin putting a little weight on the affected foot within 24 hours. 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. A hammer toe causes the toe to bend at the first joint, which is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? 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. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. Read More. Then, the surgeon will use pins to help keep the joint in place. My 2nd toe is numb am very swollen . After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. 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. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe. And your site is so intelligently arranged. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. 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. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. You are to . Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. The surgery should not hurt. 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. 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. 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. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. 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. It's easy to do. 3 years ago, Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. Ugg boots are tolerable . Fortunately my husband is willing to cater to my constant grocery requests. Appointments 216.444.2606. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. Use life-giving positivity to put the breaks on your negative thoughts and negative life-draining negativity. 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 . I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. 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 Have you experienced this? And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. 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. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. After classifying your hammertoe as either flexible or fixed, . After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. Northwest Surgery Centers are the only podiatric surgeons in Colorado offering this unique alternative to traditional, long recovery time bunionectomy surgery. Somersworth (603) 516-4411. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. I'm 64 and a very active cyclist and hiker so this is brutal. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! My doctor said no leather due to swelling. at our local hospital. Locations I am 33 weeks PO. 23 users are following. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). Please help! 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. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication. I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. 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. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. I appreciate you having this website. 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. The incision will probably leave a scar. I wish I didn't have the surgery. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. This problem developed years ago and became a problem in the last two years. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . I had hammertoe surgery on 4th toe 14 months ago and I still have swelling. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. Bunion Correction Surgery. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed 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. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. When I take it off it feels better. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. . Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. All that you need is a piece of tape. 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. It depends on the type of surgery. It felt good. I am in constant pain. 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). 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. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. Marc Mitnick DPM Mar 10, 2017 Rating different toes by: Stefany 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. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. I was told the steri strips would eventually come off by themselves. 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. A person can reduce the symptoms of a flexible hammer toe by avoiding high heels and wearing loose shoes that are at least a half-inch longer than the longest toe. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. This is not wise. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. I do have a device to put on toe for 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. Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. White blood cells in your . Specialties: Northwest Surgery Center has been performing minimally invasive bunion surgery in the U.S. for more than 30 years. 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 feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. Take care! I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. Bandages and stitches removed on day 15 (Dec. 6th) and there was an infection beside my right big toe. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. Is it because of the swelling? My doctors visit is in 3.5 weeks away and I need to end the pain and reduce swelling now. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. 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. Posted While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. In some cases, a keloid scar can form. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. I still have the strips in the other places. To keep the toe in place, the surgeon may insert temporary pins. Learn more about toe fractures and other conditions that can cause these symptoms, plus treatment, People can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nails properly. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. It takes a long time to get back to normal. ago, which ultimately proved to be an over correction. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. 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. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. If the pain in your, Monday Thursday: 9AM 7PM Friday Saturday: 9AM 7PM Sunday: Closed, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the, How Much Does Hallux Rigidus Surgery Cost, How Long Is the Stem Cell Therapy Recovery Process, Which Is Better, PRP or Stem Cell Therapy, What to Expect After Hallux Rigidus Surgery. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? 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. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. In rare cases, the infection can reach the bone, causing a serious infection called osteomyelitis.