Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? 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. 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. It seems that you do go out, have some social life. Today I had the idea of holding some frozen pea packets against the swelling. 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. It depends on the type of surgery. How? But when an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis causes a hammer toe, doctors may recommend treating that condition first. Hammertoe surgery is a procedure to correct a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toea bend at the middle joint that makes the toe look like a claw or hammer. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery. In this case, the surgeon often uses joint resection or fusion techniques. Patients usually have few. It's a journey and you need to be patient but it's worth it! It's important that you approach the recovery phase with an upbeat attitude. The doctor will tell you the dose you need to use and for how long. My big toe and its neighbor are super stiff. I ended up seeing my surgeon and he removed the wire and gave me antibiotics/Mobic. Recovery: As it is true to any given medical procedure, the recovery rate varies from person to person. 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 link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Appointments 216.444.2606. Read our editorial policy. Dr. B. is online now Related Medical Questions the-good-doctor Home treatment and better shoes may offer temporary relief from the pain, and a doctor may recommend trying a custom orthotic device before surgery. This happens more often in smokers, diabetics and those with metabolic diseases. 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. FAX: (603) 964-6515, SOMERSWORTH My doctor said and I have read it also swelling would can't for up to a year. 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. Pain can be controlled through the use of pain medications dispensed by the surgeon. Wearing ill-fitting or pointy-toed shoes is one of the most common causes of a hammer toe. Nearly five months postsurgery, I've learned that "healing the bone" is only one part of the full recovery. All went fine minimal swelling now my whole foot up into my ankle is swollen. Swelling accompanied by pain isnt the only thing that can occur after hammertoe surgery. Some people will receive intravenous (IV) medication before or during surgery. 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. Copyright 2017-2023 Nagy Footcare. After traditional foot surgery, you can expect to leave the clinic with a surgical boot, crutches, or even a knee scooter. I have a return visit with the doctor which is 6 weeks after the removal of two pens in two of the three toes operated on. 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. Your doctor may suggest that you elevate for about 30 minutes every two hours or on an as-needed basis if you notice a high amount of swelling or pain after the initial . appropriate medical assistance immediately. I knew this sedentary lifestyle would be brutal. Sometimes, nerve tissue can become trapped, creating a painful scar called an adhesion. How can I minimize the swelling and pain in my toes 7weeks after surgery? "The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months," says Dr. Botek. It's easy to do. White blood cells in your . effective way to correct a hammer toe, however by fusing the toe we make the toe stiff at one of the joints. 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). Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? After a hammertoe surgery, a mild swelling is normal. How? People with unusually long toe bones, a history of toe injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing hammer toe. 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: After having a hammer toe corrected through surgery, there is the chance that the deformity will return 1. Note: The recovery for hammer toe surgeries depends on each visit and may vary. However, when these conservative treatments dont correct your hammertoe or if the deformity has become too severe, you may need surgery to correct your toe. My 4th toe is still swollen and hurts 6 months after hammer toe surgery. 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. 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. The only way to correct rigid hammertoes is to undergo surgery. A surgeon will cut tendons and ligaments, as well as the ends of the bones. I started doing floor yoga stretching and some dumbbell weights at home. im 5 weeks ans 1 day. Why is my toe still swollen after hammertoe surgery? Services So we had surgery just one day apart and we are also a year apart. The surgery should not hurt. Exercises to improve strength in the toe and foot muscles may help the toe heal. Minimally invasive surgeries have improved patient outcomes, reducing many of the risks of traditional surgery. Move from the ankle, and you will exercise every muscle. So, this shouldnt alarm you unless it persists for some period of time. The surgeon did not instruct me to do any taping or PT or anything, he said I could resume normal activity. Hang in there, we will get there. Holiday shopping on Amazon. You will likely need to wear a special shoe or boot. While effective at relieving the hammertoe, these surgeries required a long recovery time and often resulted in a lifetime of swollen and stiff toes. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Starting soon after surgery, taking an over the counter medicine such as Pericolace can help. 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. Walking is actually good for you after minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. (1) Use those alphabet exercises. (Regina, Sk, Canada) My daughter had surgery on her foot for turf toe (repair of plantars plate) and for a hammer toe. Simply click here to return to. Its done, Platelets and stem cells work in unison together, they heal diseases and injuries in our bodies. Get a 10% Discount on Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery Today The pin remains in the toe for 4-6 weeks. I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. Ice packs (or cold packs) can also help reduce swelling. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. Not what you're looking for? If your feet are still swollen please don't force them in shoes. He is a doctor, pediatrician and he thinks it is better for wounds to heal with nothing on. Patients should be able to return to their normal lifestyle. Swelling is a part of a natural healing process. Join in and write your own page! 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. Hello. This causes your toe to curve into the shape of a hammer or a claw. The deformity typically causes calluses or corns to develop on the toe. I had surgery Oct. 6, Last week I was given the ok to wear shoes. There is also the chance of developing a flail toe, one that does not sit flat on the ground. 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. Day 11 my right foot started stinging, stabbing and feeling not right, but naturally I couldn't see anything because of the huge bandages. Seabrook, NH 03874 Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Thank you ladies! Usually, doctors start worrying if the swelling doesnt go down about a month after the procedure. by Sheri. Still swollen and painful. He didn't know why it might still be hurting. Registered in England and Wales. Simona, I can so relate! If that fails, surgery might be the only option. Floating toe this is a type of deformity where the toe cant lay flat on the surface but instead sticks up in the air. Home treatment, including changing shoes and toe exercises, often work. Scarring since the surgeon has cut the skin, there will be a scar left at the incision site. I feel like I'm on house arrest and I mostly stay home, since I can't drive until at least 8 weeks. However, there are a couple of things to be wary of: i. He rushes home at lunchtime to help me down to the kitchen/dining area and gives me some food. And your site is so intelligently arranged. The incision will probably leave a scar. So now the other foot was done on the 19th of November although it was the same surgery completely different experience I was up and around after five days although my foot was sore it was mostly in the night it would wake me up the swelling is minimal I have to be honest its the 14th of December 2019 and I have my sneakers on although when I do walk I have to walk quite slowly but sometimes I dont sometimes it slightly swollen sometimes its not so I think really and truly how are you can recover has a lot to do with your body and how it works what I would suggest is taking vitamin di vitamin see and high-strength visuals that is the difference this time to the last time I started taking these six weeks prior to having my surgery I really do believe they made a difference but remember youve just had a massive Surgery and trauma to your foot so just try to keep it elevated as much as possible doing lots of fluid and take supplements that are naturally sourced to help with your recovery you will not regret it in the end you will have a lovely feet I am so happy. I only wore sandals for 3 months after I was able to walk.. Blood vessels in the area of the cut begin to form clots that keep you from losing too much blood. Your toe should be fused and the wound healed around four to six weeks after surgery. FAX: (603) 964-6515. 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. A fusion procedure can reduce the severity of a fixed hammer toe. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Often elevation will help. I have a big problem with swelling and I dread trying to put on my soft trainers. Toe-strengthening exercises, such as picking items up off the floor with the toes, may also help. Here is a suggestio. Every specialist will ensure you understand the risks and benefits of this procedure and that you have realistic expectations. appreciate it. All rights reserved. It also permanently changes the foots appearance and can be riskier and harder to recover from than some other surgeries. Keep ice on your foot during your waking hours for the first few days after your surgery to control pain and reduce swelling. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Tendons attach muscle to bone. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Full recovery may take as long as 1 year. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. However, I think he ripped some crust that had formed over. I asked whether I should do some mobility exercises with my foot and toes and he said "Just walk". 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.