You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. It is recommended to walk every day for at least a little bit during your recovery period. A broken pinky toe can cause swelling and pain. Stitches (25) removed at week 2. You say you were instructed to flex and bend your foot and toes. I will NEVER have this surgery in the other foot! 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. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. im hobbling. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Minimally invasive bunion surgery recovery. Ways To Reduce Fluid Buildup in a Swollen Foot. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. I have an insert in the second toe. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. How did it go? Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. What to Expect After Hammertoe Surgery? 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. 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 . Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. My toes were extremely swollen, but I was told this is normal and would decrease gradually. Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. We then remove the pin in the office once the toe is fully healed. Your doctor can prescribe you medication to manage the pain. When hammertoes are diagnosed and treated early, you can usually avoid surgery. You are to . 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. White blood cells in your . Locations 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. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. I can wear heels, though with COVID we rarely go out so I don't get to wear them. Of course, resting is an important part of your recovery its crucial after every surgery. It still hurts to walk. Of course, it's reasonable to expect some pain and swelling after the surgery - the procedure requires cutting of your skin, soft tissue, and even bones, so it makes sense that there will be some pain at the surgical site until that heals. We avoid using tertiary references. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. 31st Oct 2018. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. Dactylitis is a symptom that is most often seen in patients who have inflammatory Psoriatic or Rheumatoid arthritis, which are auto-immune diseases. Join in and write your own page! Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. im the same as you. 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. 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. Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. Marc Mitnick DPM Mar 10, 2017 Rating different toes by: Stefany Once the anesthesia wears off, you'll feel pain and swelling, which can be regulated with painkillers and antibiotics. Have you tried walking just in socks or barefooted? Today I will take my first full shower, including my operated foot which hasn't seen water since October 31. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Thank you. at our local hospital. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. Traditional procedures can take a few months, but minimally invasive ones will take only about 4-6 weeks. Types of Hammertoe Surgery. Get a 10% Discount on Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery Today Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. This is not wise. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. A Hammertoe, also known as a claw toe, is a deformity that gradually causes your toe to bend downward. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. I am thinking of doing swimming exercise 2x a wk. High heels can also cause the condition, because the heel pushes the front of the foot down, forward, and against the shoe. I guess patience is KEY! During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. I do not have any pain in my toes; however they still look swollen and do bend like the other toes. 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 know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. 325-1 Lafayette Road 5. People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. I also interviewed a lot of doctors. The initial post-operative periodusually between 24 and 36 hours after surgerymay require constant or prolonged elevation to help wounds heal and bleeding subside. I take a 7 and purchase a 8 slip on. Our board . If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? A rigid hammer toe means the joint is no longer movable. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. After your procedure is complete, your trusted podiatrist closes the incisions with a stitch and applies compression dressing. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. 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. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. Now the infected area is drying up but looks unsightly. Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . Dr. Faramarz Hidaji answered. This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. Bunionectomy and Plantar Plate Repair After image taken six weeks post surgery. 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. The type of hammer toe determines treatment options. What to Expect After the Procedure. You will be back to your dancing and I will be back to cycling in time. When a hammer toe becomes problematic, surgery can be performed to remove part of the bone and release the contracted tendon. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. My doctor said no leather due to swelling. These traditional procedures require larger incisions which can lead to post-operative swelling and visible scarring. Last wk. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. This means a person may go home the same day the surgery is performed. So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. While a certain amount of pain, discomfort, and ankle and foot swelling after surgery are normal, typically, these side effects are short-lived. It takes a long time to get back to normal. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. The foot doctor said to massage it everyday, but after all this time it is still swollen and has a slight hump even though I did all that was said to do after he surgery. Below are the best ways to slow or stop swelling for patients who've recently undergone surgery to their feet or ankles. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. I know it will all be worth it and I have no sign of bunions now at all, which is wonderful! Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. The surgery is performed to lessen pain and/or improve flexibility when the muscles in the toe can't stretch and straighten. Over 300,000 hammertoe surgeries are performed each year. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. My foot feels better than it has in months. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. If that fails, surgery might be the only option. 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. Or should I check in with my dr. The thinner the person the greater the positive impa, One of the best ways to help yourself heal faster after surgery is to eat well. During that time, there are some things you can do to ensure you heal properly and minimize the pain and swelling (these two often go hand in hand). 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). Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? After classifying your hammertoe as either flexible or fixed, . Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Thank you for that. Utilizing some type of compressive taping or strapping method postoperatively can reduce swelling. Some patients might need these pain medications for an extended period of time if thats the case, the doctor has to monitor the use. 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. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. If you have bunions that cause big toe pain, call your healthcare provider for treatment. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. An orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist can help a person correct the problem before surgery becomes necessary, so anyone experiencing symptoms of hammer toe should speak to their doctor before allowing it to get worse. Resources I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. 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. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. Patients usually have few. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. Get plenty of rest and keep the foot elevated while sitting or lying down. I thank you for putting together this incredible website. Ugg boots are tolerable . It is also possible for a corn to develop over the prominent joint. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. Most patients are back on their feet and participating in normal activities within three weeks of minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. It also permanently changes the foots appearance and can be riskier and harder to recover from than some other surgeries. Obviously, I cannot do anything like that. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. I can't do any of that, and so now don't get that regular social exposure to my gym and dance friends. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. This is called amputation. 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. 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. How are you now? Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. It's easy to do. Once you are comfortable, you can go home with your chosen companion. 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(?) A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. A hammer toe is a potentially painful deformity of the second, third, or fourth toes, where the toe bends upward at the joint, resembling a hammer. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . 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 feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. 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. It's one of the hammertoe treatment options used when a defected toe loses all its flexibility and becomes rigid. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions before the procedure, so lets see how you can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. With minimally invasive procedures, the trauma to the tissue is significantly . My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. 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. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. Its very frustrating to still be so swollen. Pain and swelling are normal for about a week following surgery. So, I do minimal walking. how are you now? how ate you now? Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. If a person is squeamish, does not want to see the procedure, or has a phobia of knives or needles, they might prefer general anesthesia. I don't know about you but I was hoping to be back on my bike at 12 weeks and now at 6 weeks I cannot imagine putting on a cycling shoe. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. Have you experienced this? Seabrook, NH 03874 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. Bunion removed 12 yrs. Doctor's PA offered no solution. I would like to know.When you have excessive swelling,why do your toes look shorter? Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling can help with pain and inflammation. Swelling is a reaction of your tissue to that trauma, which means that having absolutely no swelling after a surgical procedure is not realistic. By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. I had hammertoe surgery on 4th toe 14 months ago and I still have swelling. Hammer toe repair - discharge. I cannot walk down the stairs or up, without help. 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. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. He was ambulatory right after surgery and back in a shoe at 6 weeks. But you will see such a significant change in the feeling, swelling and bruising. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. Web design by: Half a Bubble Out | Marketing & Advertising, minimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. by Sheri. 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. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. After he removed my pin, he sent me home without any bandages, just the steri strips. Join in and write your own page! I try to do some flexing but then I get shooting pains at the bunion and hammertoe location. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Hammertoes are common in women who wear high heels and children who wear shoes that are too small. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. But when an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis causes a hammer toe, doctors may recommend treating that condition first. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. I'm finding that for me this procedure has been an emotional journey as well as a physical one. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. 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. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. Is swelling something that you should worry about after surgery? The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. Maybe try wearing slides with socks on? It's very painful. But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend bunion surgery. 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. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. I wonder when I'll be able to go for a walk and not end up limping and hobbling because my feet have swollen. Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. At my drs request I stretch my toe up and down daily and curl my toes to start stretching the ligaments. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. I'm heading to my weights to do some seated dumbbells and floor yoga but I know it'll be hard and exhausting. Please help, I am not sure what to do now! However, there are a couple of things to be wary of: i. 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. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? The second, third, fourth or fifth toes are affected most often and the deformity usually develops over time as a result of chronic inflammation arthritis, ligament injury or wearing poorly-fitted shoes. 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. In rare cases where a person experiences severe pain from a hammer toe and no other treatment works, a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon might recommend removing the toe. Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. 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. Read our editorial policy. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. In some cases, a wound dehiscence may occur. My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. 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. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. The first steps toward healing start right away. Usually the patient feels very good and wants to start doing things. My doctor said that I could walk in soft wide tennis shoes. 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. Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. just started antibiotics today, but im super worried and just want ti be back to normal. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. 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 It's 5 weeks today since my surgery. 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. I am able to get on a running shoe but is so painful after a short time. My incisions are pretty much healed now. Minimally invasive surgery improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infection and scarring. Right now my foot doesn't fit into anything, except still the surgical shoe. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! In fact we go no where. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. 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. I teach tennis so am supposed to wear while teaching. All that you need is a piece of tape. Walking can help increase circulation and reduce swelling. 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. I feel SO much better after reading this..thank you. The boot is TOO hard and heavy for me to walk! Yeesh..so much work to dress up lol. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. 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.
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swelling after hammertoe surgery