swelling after hammertoe surgery
The surgeon did not instruct me to do any taping or PT or anything, he said I could resume normal activity. It makes it feel so much better all day but I found if I leave it on when I go to bed, the toe aches and I have to take it off. 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. Andrew worked the entire time after surgery and had absolutely no pain or need for pain medication. This is called amputation. ive been so depressed , i just cant wait to be back to normal. 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. Join in and write your own page! 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. Two months ago, I had hammertoe surgery on all my toes, except the big toe. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified The foot may need to be kept elevated for a few weeks after the surgery. Starting soon after surgery, taking an over the counter medicine such as Pericolace can help. Bunion removed 12 yrs. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Usually, infections after hammertoe surgery arent complicated and can be fully treated with a course of oral antibiotics. at our local hospital. Resources You may even experience tingling or burning as your foot heals. 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. Usually, for Christmas I do a lot of special cooking. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor It helps but not much. I go to the gym, dance zumba, do pilates (can stand on toes now and do lunges was too painful earlier). Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. 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. Bunion Correction Surgery. Hammertoe surgery was done on both feet, second toe on each foot at the same time. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. This article, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. By Marc Mitnick DPM 2006-2022, foot-pain-explained.com LLC, Researchers are suggesting that the effectiveness of Vitamin D in fighting and preventing disease is predicated on a persons body mass index (BMI). Its important to note that you should never put ice directly on your skin instead, place a thin cloth when applying ice packs. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. If left untreated, hammertoes can become painful and cause mobility issues. I did wear it all day and my toe hurts. What is the long-term impact of toe fusion surgery? Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. After a hammertoe surgery, a mild swelling is normal. What are the Beginning Stages of an Ingrown Toenail? You expressed it well - "I know there is light at the end of the tunnel but how long is this tunnel?". I wonder why it hurts when I leave it on in bed? Types of Hammertoe Surgery. Hi Simona, I feel your pain!!! 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. It is also known as "Sausage Finger" or "Sausage Toe" because of the localized, painful swelling that causes digits to look like sausages. Pin came out 2 weeks ago and I can not feel this toe. One reason why a person may be hesitant to have rigid hammertoes treated is down to the nature of traditional foot surgery. PT is recommended by my dr once I can walk but not before. Minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions. Chronically swollen toes can also be the result of a symptomatic non-union at an attempted arthrodesis site. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. However, we must note that you shouldnt spend the entire recovery period off your feet. Everything you need to know about hammer toe. What did you do? 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 . I landed back in hospital, on a drip, for 3 days! In general, it takes approximately 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover from surgery. Weve explained all the options in the text below. Still swollen and painful. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to aminimally invasive approach to hammertoe surgery. Footwear may be advanced as tolerated once the pin is removed (typically 4-6 weeks after surgery). Lapiplasty is minimally invasive, meaning it requires smaller incisions and less trauma to the foot area. For example, a toe swollen a month after hammertoe surgery is considered one. effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. I can't do any of that, and so now don't get that regular social exposure to my gym and dance friends. My doctor did not recommend this, just said to walk, which I cannot do very well. The incision will probably leave a scar. Home Theresa, I had bunionectomy & hammertoe surgery on one foot. I do not have any pain in my toes; however they still look swollen and do bend like the other toes. We commonly utilize the Silipos or silicone hammertoe pads. 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. During a lapiplasty, our surgeons use tiny, highly specialized tools to completely rotate your misaligned metatarsal bone. And long walks. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. I want to wear something on my feet that doesn't hurt and that makes me feel normal. Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. I'm constantly fighting to stay upbeat. If you have minimally invasive surgery to correct your hammertoe, the procedure is completed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic. But once all the swelling goes down,it will look just like it did the day before I hit my toes. Also the skin on top of my foot and also sole, toes is very thick and hardened and now peels like crazy. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to ensure you get enough rest. So, I am still elevating my foot a lot. Often elevation will help. Rarely, the pain and swelling can become permanent. Please help! You may be a good candidate for bunionectomy, After surgery, most people can resume their activities in six to 12 weeks. Keloids are more likely to occur in African Americans. My doctor said no leather due to swelling. I went out and purchase a pair of soft cloth shoe in a size bigger. Ugg boots are tolerable . 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. Reading the responses really hasn't given given me much relief as it sounds like 8-12 weeks is the next date to look forward to. Infection following hammer toe surgery can usually be handled with a short course of oral antibiotics. After your surgery, your toe may be stiff, red, and swollen. Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. Is this really the be. Bunionectomy After image taken six months post surgery. I can only wear flip flops right now, my 2 middle toes are sore & swollen & are constantly getting bumped or stubbed. Patients with hammertoes often have other toe problems, such as bunions or corns. It's not always in the same joint or even the same toe. An ingrown toenail can usually be treated at home. 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. This means a person may go home the same day the surgery is performed. I was told that it will get better and the swelling will go down within time. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. What is your experience with walking around in the house just in socks or even bare feet? People with a history of bad reactions to general anesthesia or who want the shortest possible recovery time might prefer a local anesthetic. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Patience is key for this kind of healing journey.. 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. In most cases, patients will use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). 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. 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. It was so great to get to your 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. . Osteomyelitis needs to be treated in the hospital with an extended course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by another course of oral antibiotics. 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. welling stopped probably the end of August beginning of September my foot is completely normal. Then I bought a pair of Merrel shoes (almost bear foot with wide front), those were comfortable. He told me he does not recommend it because he found that PT may increase the chance of bunions coming back. During the procedure, the surgeon made an incision (cut) in your skin to expose your toe joint and repair the toe. Your toe and foot will have some redness, swelling, and pain after surgery. as being in breach of those terms. This is not you; after bunion surgery, gentle movement is important, so you must take your time and be realistic. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. Join in and write your own page! 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. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. Read More. FAX: (603) 964-6515. Swelling and Pain As mentioned earlier, post surgery recovery will involve varying degrees of pain and swelling. 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: Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. 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. In some cases, the return of the deformity can be a consequence of a technical mistake during surgery. My pin was pulled out at 6 weeks minus one day, my foot was unwrapped and only some steri strips were left at the sites of incisions, that is a few such strips over the former bunion, a few strips at the base of the second toe (formerly hammer toe) and a vertical strip along this second toe. I had hammertoe surgery just over 2. weeks ago. Most patients have some swelling after surgery, which may last for . Hammer toes can become painful over time, as the joints lose flexibility. I am in constant pain. Then we lived in CT for three years in CT and since 1993 we are in SE Massachusetts. 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. This comment is to let one know what to expect with hammertoe surgery. After surgery, you will need to wear a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for 3 to 6 weeks. Kudos to you! This can shorten recovery time and avoid the rare complications that sometimes accompany general anesthesia. We don't and now I am in an enforced prolonged house arrest. This pulls the toe into a straighter position, compensating for muscle weaknesses and improving the toes appearance. Take your antibiotics religiously and expect swelling for a long time, so put your feet up often. Hammertoe surgery may be the best option for patients who are still in pain after trying non-invasive hammertoe treatments. The reduced space in the toe box causes your toes to bend to fit in the available space. When you are showering or bathing, the foot has to be kept covered to keep the stitches dry. Is this tall, heavy boot my only option? Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. The hammertoe correction before and after hammer toe surgery is significant, but the healing process can be uncomfortable. Removing a toe can change the way a person balances on their foot. Also, yesterday, when I had my shower, the steri strips did not fall off. An IV can be used to administer anesthesia or to provide a drug that helps a person feel relaxed while awake. Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. It is possible to treat flexible hammer toe without surgery, often by simply switching to better shoes. The surgeon stresses the importance of that. I had to laugh at your description of your husband ripping off the steri strips but ouch! Learn more here. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. People with hammer toe may also develop corns or calluses at the top of the joint from the toe rubbing on poorly fitted shoes. 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. When a muscle gets too weak, it can put pressure on the tendons of the toe. X-ray was done.The MD indicated that pins look intact and it was probably bruised. The next day it was a lot worse. 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. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. I still have the strips in the other places. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. If you have pins or screws in your toe, they may be taken out a few weeks after the operation..
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