I've been really isolated. I am in constant pain. 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. The second toe on both feet is shorter than the first and third toes and crooked! During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. 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. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. Thank you. 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. I asked for it since I read a lot about PT being very helpful. Thank you ladies! The most common cause of a wound dehiscence is infection. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Privacy Policy, SEABROOK Hi Rebecca. Hammer toes can become painful over time, as the joints lose flexibility. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! Not what you're looking for? There are two distinct types: In the early stages, the joint is still movable. Initially, you should change your shoes, switching to shoes with a wide toe box. 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. You may even experience tingling or burning as your foot heals. Cold therapy lasts 10-20 minutes never leave your ice packs on the leg for longer. It's very painful. FAX: (603) 964-6515. I still have pain and swelling 7 weeks after hammertoe surgery. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Read our editorial policy. A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. 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. I had two surgeries because the first failed (first one was February 28th and second surgery was April 9th) and was able to walk in June. These exercises can also prevent hammer toe from coming back. I started to wrap my toe with coban this week like Dr. Mitnick suggests. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. This article, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Hang in there, we will get there. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Be well! 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. I've since seen a new doctor who has suggested some stretching but that hasn't seemed to help. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? Hammer toe surgery is primarily done on an outpatient basis. In fact we go no where. This means you need to draw an imaginary figure A, then B, then C and so on, all the way to Z. My question is about the boot the surgeon sent home with me to begin wearing - 25% weight increasing to 100% over next 2 weeks. Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily? Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. Ice placed just above the surgical site can help keep swelling to a minimum. I had 2 bunions and all 5 hammertoes on right foot done 4 mths ago. I wish I didn't have the surgery. My incisions are pretty much healed now. A surgical site creates a wound, so there is the small possibility of developing an infection afterward, according to Premier Podiatry. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. I lived in Orange County between 1983 and 1990. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. But you will see such a significant change in the feeling, swelling and bruising. I had surgery Oct. 6, Last week I was given the ok to wear shoes. I was told that after 3 days I could take a normal shower and be able to soak my foot too. Is it because of the swelling? Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? 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. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. According to MedlinePlus, a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that appears red and inflamed, and possibly painful 2. Less trauma equals less pain, inflammation, and downtime for you. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . Embrace Positivity. I'm 69 yet fit and (usually) active and fast moving. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. 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. Removing the forces that caused these problems in the first place (e.g., pinching . Depending on the type of surgery you had for your hammer toe, these symptoms can last for weeks to months. I want myself back! Hammer toe can be unsightly and painful, but it does not always require surgery. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Posted I interviewed 7 surgeons before settling on my surgeon but it was hard to find references from former bunion patients so I'm just praying everything will work out! I appreciate you having this website. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Hammer toe surgery can also be done under general anesthesia. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. So, what can you do in case you have a swollen toe after hammertoe surgery? The most common surgical techniques employed to address the rigid or so-called fixed hammertoe deformities are PIPJ resection arthroplasty or PIPJ arthrodesis. If you have bunions that cause big toe pain, call your healthcare provider for treatment. im so depressed , i need to hear there is a light at the end if the tunnel. It helps but not much. 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. Thank you for that. I am able to get on a running shoe but is so painful after a short time. You had surgery to repair your hammer toe. Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. The progression is predictable-from five days with absolutely no pressure on the foot, to the resumption of modified activities in six to eight weeks. Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? Thank you. Constipation often happens after general anesthesia and surgery. When I returned with pain he said it looked fine and to give it more time. And my toes, the big one and the next are not flexible in the least. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. 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. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. Dont push yourself too hard take it easy and slowly increase the distance you walk day after day. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. You might also be advised to have physical therapy to correct the muscle imbalance in your foot. Resources Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. EASILY and QUICKLY! Seabrook, NH 03874 People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. 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. Specially designed footwear will also have to be worn after bunion surgery, just like after correcting hammertoes. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. Bunion removed 12 yrs. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises. 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. It still hurts to walk. It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. I still can't drive as my right foot is my braking foot and still too sore. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. 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 was allowed back in normal shoes after 7 weeks but at first I could only wear sandals, then aqua shoes for quite a while. CLICK HERE INSTEADvar cid='1957822116';var pid='ca-pub-1552388110506181';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. Note that there is very minor bruising at this point and swelling is minimal. 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. Thank you. These pins can be removed a few weeks after the surgery. After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Get Plenty of Rest To Promote Healing After Foot or Ankle Surgery. Avoid over-the-counter medicated corn-removal products, many of which contain acid that can cause severe skin irritation. A doctor may also. All my toes are now straight and I was getting used to the new wider, chubby looking toes until I had the right foot done a week ago. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hammer toe. Is this really the be. | 3 Types of Foot Strikes That May Cause You Foot Pain While Running . It depends on the type of surgery. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. . A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. In some cases, you may need to stay off of your feet for a few days. Recovery doesnt always need to be painful, so some patients dont need medication to deal with the pain. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. Her toe became extremely infected 3 weeks after the pin . The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. The fingers or toes may also be warm and difficult . 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 . Extreme swelling and pain 7 months after foot surgery. Thank you Dr. Mitnick for your quick response and also for the explanation in the original post that the swelling in my toe could be caused by problems with the lymphatic system. Last wk. Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. I feel really cut off not even being able to duck out to the shop for, say, a bottle of milk. If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. So, I do minimal walking. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Weve explained all the options in the text below. A flail toe sticks up in the air a bit and can be either stiff or floppy. In most cases, patients will use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. What are the best ways to cut an ingrown toenail. Your foot will be bandaged, and the doctor will remove it on their own or instruct you how to do it at home. Custom orthoticscan also help to support correct alignment in your foot. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. Doctor's PA offered no solution. Rarely can they overgrow and turn into a keloid scar (red and inflamed tissue overgrowth). I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? really regreting this surgery now. 3 years ago, My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. And long walks. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. 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 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. Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. 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. appreciate it. Initially it's not too bad, but my feet soon swell and I absolutely hate being trapped in those shoes. The shoe should remain on until seen in the office for your first post-op visit. My doctor said that I could drive when I can wear normal shoes. So, yesterday I was 6 weeks after bunion and hammertoe surgery. It may be necessary to wear a special shoe or a shoe insert to support the toe following the procedure. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. However, you should talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is alright. Join in and write your own page! I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. 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. I try but it simply doesn't work. The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. They rarely persist after the first six months post-surgery. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? I am limping worse than before and I feel quite discouraged. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. You can contact us to book your consultation by filling out an online form or calling our office we are here for you. Keep in touch! Hammertoes are common in women who wear high heels and children who wear shoes that are too small. It was so great to get to your There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. My feet are not sore to walk at all! 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. 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. It felt good. The incision will probably leave a scar. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. Some medical teams have the option of offering, Having hallux rigidus, also known as a stiff big toe, can make standing or walking difficult because of the pain. It was very painful but after awhile it went away. You will be able to walk immediately after your surgery but should take it easy and keep your foot elevated for three or four days. It should also reduce pain. 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. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. I still have the strips in the other places. I am practically under house arrest. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. After about 2-3 weeks, your doctor will remove the stitches. You can see my right foot is fatter and swollen in comparison to my left. In this procedure, the surgeon removes portions of the joint to allow bones to grow together. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. from him right now and I won't be back to the area until around Xmas. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? 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. After hammer toe surgery heals, it leaves a small scar that becomes less noticeable over time. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. how ate you now? Removal of the second toe for severe hammertoe deformity in elderly patients [Abstract]. However, this is only possible in milder cases where the affected toe is still flexible. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. 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 hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Foot Surgery It's easy to do. I can't wear a shoe very long maybe up to two hours and then only tennis shoes. I am limping along still in my neoprene surgical sandal. If your foot takes a bit longer to heal, there might be some persistent mild swelling weeks after the surgery. Pins are usually removed from the toe between four and six weeks post-surgery. It's Summer here, the trainers and socks make my feet hot and look ridiculous with little summer dresses. This is called amputation. I only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. 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. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . How are you now? Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. This straightens the toe and can help reduce pain.