When you’re struggling with some foot deformity like hammertoe, the most natural thing to consider is the medical procedure. However, what about the hammertoe surgery pain after? It’s a real thing, and you need to learn everything about it if you wish to minimize it as much as possible. Luckily, we have explained everything about it in the text below, so keep reading.
Is Hammertoe Surgery Pain After Too Much to Handle?
If you can’t fix a hammertoe without surgery, then you definitely have to consider minimally invasive surgery. However, the first thing we should do is define the term “hammertoe” before we get into detail about how to treat one surgically. A common issue that affects lesser toes is hammertoe deformity, known as mallet or claw toe. It indicates that a toe cannot be straightened and is bent at a particular angle. When wearing shoes or bearing weight, this hurts and can put pressure on neighboring toes.
After surgery, you should prepare for some pain. In order to fix the issue, the surgeon must manipulate the foot, which will hurt. And depending on the medical procedure done, the pain often goes away a few days to a week after the procedure.
What Should You Do to Speed Up Your Recovery?
Following hammer toe surgery, a full hammertoe recovery could take several weeks. The kind of surgery will dictate the timeline. You can be given a specific shoe to wear while you’re recovering to aid in walking and balance. You might also require a walker or crutches.
The pain should go away pretty quickly following the operation, although swelling could continue for up to a year. A few weeks following the procedure, any crews or pins there are in your toe could be removed.
Rest
The postoperative period is crucial. After all, you don’t want the whole surgery to be completely in vain just because you didn’t follow the doctor’s instructions, right? And the first thing you’ll hear after the operation is that you need to rest. Keep your foot elevated and rest completely for the first time after the operation (which is about two to three weeks post-operation). So, no walking after the hammertoe operation, even though most patients are free to go home the same day after the surgery.
Watch Your Diet
Once you’re completely sure of the success and have checked all pros of implant hammertoe, take care of your diet, as well. Luckily, you can consume the normal diet you did before the procedure. However, if your stomach gets upset, try bland, low-fat items such as plain rice, grilled chicken, bread, and yogurt.
Some patients can notice irregular bowel movements right after the operation. Don’t worry, as this is completely normal. In order to avoid it, you can take a daily fiber supplement. Of course, you should always contact your doctor and ask about any discomfort you might feel.
Take the Right Medicine
You’ll have a consultation with your doctor before the operation, and there will be a talk about the medications you’ll need to take with the prescription and instructions on how to use them. If, on the other hand, you didn’t get the pain medicine prescribed, check with your doctor whether an over-the-counter medicine is a good choice for you.
Take Care of the Incision
In the first weeks after the medical procedure, try to keep the foot elevated all the time (if possible, of course). This will relieve stress on the toe and promote healing. There may be some swelling at the toe. Your toe will be bandaged and properly positioned when you leave the hospital. After a few days, your doctor will likely remove the bandages. Your doctor might also instruct you to take them off at home. Avoid touching the surgical area. Dry it off. Wait until your doctor gives the all-clear before soaking your foot.
If the procedure was on your right foot, it’s not advisable to drive for some time. However, every procedure is different, and it’s best to always ask your doctor whether there are limitations on some specific activities, for example, driving. Also, wait until all the screws and pins are out to place your foot under the water.
What Complications and Side Effects Can Cause Pain?
Any procedure carries the potential for problems. Although hammer toe surgical complications are uncommon, you should talk to your doctor about them. The majority of hammer toe surgeries are successful; however, the hammer toe may recur afterward. In that case, the doctor may once more look at non-surgical treatments or maybe recommend another surgery.
Check the possible side effects and complications you should be aware of this surgery:
- Bleeding,
- Infection,
- Reaction to anesthesia,
- Blood clots,
- Lack of stability in the toe,
- No bone healing,
- Numbness.
Consult With Your Surgeon About Pain After Hammertoe Surgery
If you’ve made the decision to have your hammertoe treated, you’ll need a qualified and reliable podiatrist to carry out the treatment. Contact the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic, and we will set up a consultation for you with our expert. Your surgeon will go through all the details of the procedure with you and make sure you get the outcomes you want. You can phone our office from Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM to 6 PM, or from 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday, or submit an inquiry online.
FAQ
How Long Does the Pain Last After Hammertoe Surgery?
These symptoms might continue anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the kind of surgery you underwent for your hammer toe. They will gradually improve with time. For three to six weeks following the surgery, you’ll need to wear a particular kind of shoe to preserve your toe and keep it in the proper place.
What Helps Pain After Foot Surgery?
Applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) after foot surgery is a tried-and-true strategy for reducing discomfort in addition to medicine. The RICE approach helps to minimize surgery area swelling.
How Painful Is Hammertoe Surgery?
A patient who receives local anesthesia will not feel the procedure. However, some patients might feel pressure or pull. Surgery shouldn’t be painful. A person needs a driver to take them home after surgery because they frequently get toe pain.
