And it hurts, shooting pain that is amplified when I put that surgical sandal on to go to the bathroom. Hammer toe is a condition where one of the toes becomes stiff and bent, in a position resembling the shape of a hammer. Locations Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Deformity recurrence hammertoe can return after surgery if the surgeon hasnt treated its underlying issue or selected the wrong surgical procedure. I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! Its actually the first pain I'm experiencing since the surgery. Also, as the joints are left intact, your recovery time is much shorter. Luckily, these scars are small and often fade over time. Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. How did it go? 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. The isolation, frustrating swelling, lack of activity, plays havoc with my emotions. I know that it does not offer enough support but there is no shoe of any kind that I can put my foot into. 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. Often, hammertoe corrective surgery requires the patient to take significant time out of their schedule. It was a good thing I brought a sock at my visit. How? Now there is a big gaping hole there, horrifying, oozing. When a hammer toe causes pain, and other treatments fail, surgery may be the only option for correcting the joint. hammer toe; dislocations; broken bones & stress fractures; ganglion cysts; plantar fascitis; . During a tendon transfer, the surgeon pulls a tendon near the hammer toe across the top of the joint. It takes a long time to get back to normal. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. as being in breach of those terms. My foot feels better than it has in months. 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. I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. Joint resection can help with a fixed hammer toe. Pin came out 2 weeks ago and I can not feel this toe. She had her surgery on June 9th, 2011. However, cutting an already ingrown nail at home can make it worse. Following surgery, most people experience swelling, which can last up to a year. I'm yet another person with an ugly swollen second toe several weeks after surgery..much more swollen than it was weeks ago. Some swelling may remain at this point, but a year after your operation healing should be complete and any remaining swelling will have disappeared. 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. This means a person may go home the same day the surgery is performed. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. 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. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. I can't even stand to have a blanket on my foot yet. Six months after surgery patients are usually able to return to their normal activity levels, including participating in high impact sports. Embrace Positivity. How? 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. Is this normal. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. Lets stay in touch and perhaps we can share our recovery benchmarks and look forward to a full recovery. 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. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Once healing takes place, the pain should continue to decrease until it subsides. 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. One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. My Dr told me i'd be able to drive and begin PT as soon as I can walk but I just hobble. If you have bunions that cause big toe pain, call your healthcare provider for treatment. 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. When your toes are stuck in this abnormal position for too long, your muscles tighten and get stuck in a contracted position. Last wk. While these untoward results can occur, they are unlikely if both the surgeon and the . This can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. Doctor's PA offered no solution. I developed bone growth on these two toes and a lump on side of my 4th toe. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. 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! really regreting this surgery now. The surgery is performed to lessen pain and/or improve flexibility when the muscles in the toe can't stretch and straighten. Still, if there is too much swelling, that might slow down the recovery, which is why we take steps to reduce it sometimes. Ugg boots are tolerable . A swollen or "sausage" toe is the most common complication following hammertoe surgery. Today I will take my first full shower, including my operated foot which hasn't seen water since October 31. I wish I didn't have the surgery. In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. Hammertoe reoccurs in about 5 to 10% of people who have surgery. i have an infection in one of my toes. 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 know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel? 4-6 weeks: Any surgical pins that were used may be removed. The type of hammer toe determines treatment options. After picture taken immediately after surgery. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. 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. 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). The pins remain in place to allow the bones to grow together and are removed after the joint has fused. But I am worried that I cannot wear even wide soft athletic shoes. After hammer toe surgery: 2-3 weeks: Stitches may be removed. Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. My doctor said my x-ray looked perfect but if it still was swollen in another 3 months to come back for an MRI. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 . I HAD hammertoe surgery with a pin 9 weeks ago. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. My husband is a pediatrician who works very long hours. Hammer toe is a deformity of the toe, in which one or both joints bend abnormally into a "C" shape 1. In most cases, you should expect recovery to last about six weeks - after this period, pain and swelling should be gone. A compressive dressing is used until the sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. What is the recovery time for hammer toe surgery? So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. my toes (the 2 in the middle) got twisted going down a step & now it's worse! Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. Use life-giving positivity to put the breaks on your negative thoughts and negative life-draining negativity. 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. Is this something good or does it do anything bad to the foot? If you are planning on having hammertoe correction, your podiatrist will explain any risks or complications involved with the procedure. Yes I had that done on my right foot in April 2016. 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. But I think I couldn't wear them until I was about 10-12 weeks PO. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. People should discuss the risks and benefits of each option. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. Week 2: This is probably the most difficult time after foot surgery. And now, our virtually pain-free bunion removal procedure is available in Denver, Colorado. Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. Surgery can often be done with a local anesthetic that only numbs the toe, so the person remains awake during the operation. Hammer toe can develop in any of the lesser toes, but most often affects the second toe, according to the Merck Manuals 1. "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. Keeping the affected leg and foot elevated can reduce swelling. 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. Before surgery, a doctor will likely perform blood work and ask the person about their medical history. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. I'm disappointed in the look of my toes. I guess I keep doing so. 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 hit the tip of my toes and the pins were pushed in. Damage to the lymphatic and/or venous circulation can account for this postoperative edema. 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. It is very important to be patient with this swelling. Later that evening,I begin having excruciating pain,redness/warmth on toes/top of foot,and a lot of swelling. Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in A doctor may also recommend putting a pad over the joint to prevent it from rubbing against shoes. According to MedlinePlus, a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that appears red and inflamed, and possibly painful 2. 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. My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? 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. Learn more about some specific conditions that require medical attention, including surgery. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). Somersworth, NH 03878 Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic is experienced and talented they will take excellent care of you. 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.