swelling after hammertoe surgery

Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. As tlw described, I do the toe curling and also a stretching exercise with my 2 affected toes on my left foot - the doctor said twice a day - but the infection in my right foot has meant I couldn't exercise that toe; it's quite stiff by comparison. Over 300,000 hammertoe surgeries are performed each year. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. It has totally bruised my shin, and in attempt to sit with boot on I can not elevate foot at all because of the weight. Yesterday was actually my first trip out to a store to buy a bottle of wine to take to a holiday party. It depends on the type of surgery. My incisions are pretty much healed now. what is your take on this & can you recommend some other therapies for me to try I would ask my surgeon myself, but I am vacationing 2,200 mi. 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. Simply click here to return to. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. 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). college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. 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. Are there lighter weight boots for small frame, small boned woman? A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. Today I will take my first full shower, including my operated foot which hasn't seen water since October 31. Simona, I can so relate! thank you for your response. I guess patience is KEY! Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. It's Summer here, the trainers and socks make my feet hot and look ridiculous with little summer dresses. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. 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. This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain. 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. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. 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 do any of that, and so now don't get that regular social exposure to my gym and dance friends. I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. After a hammertoe surgery, a mild swelling is normal. 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. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. Swelling after an extremity procedure is common. So I'm not attempting it any more till I'm further healed. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe. Pain and Swelling. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. When you continue to wear shoes that cramp your toes, your toes rub against the inside of your shoes, creating calluses and corns, which can exacerbate your hammertoe. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Make sure there's a half-inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between your longest toe and the inside tip of your shoe. The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. But I cannot wear even wide, soft sneakers. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. Kudos to you! You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. I am limping along still in my neoprene surgical sandal. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. At my drs request I stretch my toe up and down daily and curl my toes to start stretching the ligaments. Blog Over time, the toe muscles grow weaker and are no longer able to straighten the toe. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. Learn more here. A wound dehiscence refers to a surgery that does not heal or breaks open after healing. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. 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. My husband came and without even asking me, quickly tore off the strips over the bunion incision. Hammer toe surgery recovery Though most people can bear weight on their foot immediately after hammer toe surgery, total recovery takes between 4 and 6 weeks. 3 years ago, Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. 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. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. Pin came out 2 weeks ago and I can not feel this toe. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. My doctor said no leather due to swelling. Marc Mitnick DPM Mar 10, 2017 Rating different toes by: Stefany The reduced space in the toe box causes your toes to bend to fit in the available space. Registered in England and Wales. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. 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. Locations 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. Swelling could last up to a year, but the pain should subside fairly soon after the operation. 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. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. Resources Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. As the toe heals, walking can be difficult and painful, so a person may need a cane or crutches for a few weeks. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. Those first two weeks I was diligent (most of the time!) It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. 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 A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. 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. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. FAX: (603) 964-6515. 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. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). 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. Appointments 216.444.2606. 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. 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. This is not wise. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. I had to laugh at your description of your husband ripping off the steri strips but ouch! I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. Bunion removed 12 yrs. Could be normal : Because the foot is the lowest part of your body, swelling may persist for weeks after surgery. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. I want to wear something on my feet that doesn't hurt and that makes me feel normal. And your site is so intelligently arranged. Nevertheless, I was happy with the results. EASILY and QUICKLY! I am now 6 weeks post hallux varus - big toe fusion with 4 pins (2 in each) in 2nd and 3rd Hammer toes. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. All rights reserved. Less trauma equals less pain, inflammation, and downtime for you. A hammer toe causes the toe to bend at the first joint, which is called the proximal interphalangeal joint. It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. all hammertoe , no bunion. Thank you ladies! This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. It still hurts to walk. 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. The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. Hang in there, we will get there. Bunion and 6-week post-op. Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. I guess I keep doing so. How did it go? Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? Sometimes it feels good to just have my foot exposed to air around the house. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Thank you. as being in breach of those terms. Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. 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 . Delayed healing or dehiscence wounds that wont heal are common in smokers and patients with metabolic diseases. I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. Hammertoe surgery is considered quite a simple procedure, but even the simplest surgeries can have some complications. What is your experience with walking around in the house just in socks or even bare feet? Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. Getting patients into closed shoe gear as quickly as a week after surgery can also help minimize post-op swelling. When you are showering or bathing, the foot has to be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. When a hammer toe causes pain, and other treatments fail, surgery may be the only option for correcting the joint. Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. 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. Ugg boots are tolerable . She had a pin put in her toe for her hammer toe at the same time. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! And I cannot stand up and cook either. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2017. My husband and I have readjusted in every way possible! 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 . A tendon transfer pulls the toe into the correct position and often works well for a flexible hammer toe. Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. 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. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? Pain killers will be prescribed for the same. 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: Immediately following the outpatient surgical procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will place a boot on your foot. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. how ate you now? Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. In some cases, you may end up not being able to walk without an assistive device like a cane. Still swollen and painful. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. 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. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. I've been really isolated. I still can't drive as my right foot is my braking foot and still too sore. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. You are lucky to live in So. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. i have an infection in one of my toes. I have an insert in the second toe. Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. Here is a suggestio. Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. Weve explained all the options in the text below. But I am worried that I cannot wear even wide soft athletic 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. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. 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. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed The problem usually begins with a muscle imbalance. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. I'm disappointed in the look of my toes. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. respect of any healthcare matters. Surgery may also be needed when chronic big toe inflammation and swelling isn't relieved with rest or medicines. The surgeon did not instruct me to do any taping or PT or anything, he said I could resume normal activity. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? How are you now? Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. 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. Hammer toe is a condition where one of the toes becomes stiff and bent, in a position resembling the shape of a hammer. The first steps toward healing start right away. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). So, I do minimal walking. Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. 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. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. They may also be unable to drive for several weeks. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. It is swollen and frozen. Dehiscence means that the wound has healed poorly or breaks open after healing. Read our editorial policy. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot. Tomorrow I will try the trainers again. Take care! Andrew had an osteotomy bunionectomy and a hammertoe correction with a plantar plate repair. how are you now? I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. When I take it off it feels better. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. I am practically under house arrest. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. I normally never wear trainers except for the gym; they have always made my feet feel claustrophobic , and they go with none of the sort of clothes I wear.

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swelling after hammertoe surgery