When Haglund’s deformity proves to be resistant to all non-surgical remedies, such as changing footwear, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy, surgical removal of the bony bump is performed. So, patients need to be informed about what to expect after Haglund’s deformity surgery.
When the operation is over, the wound will be stitched, and an anesthetic will be given for pain relief. The patient will be put in a plaster cast for some time while the foot needs to be pointing down at all times. If there are no post-op complications, the patient is allowed to go home the same day.
The Immediate Aftermath – Hours to Days Post-Surgery
The last part of the surgery is to stitch the wound and provide an anesthetic for pain relief to the patient, and it lasts for a couple of hours after the operation. The most important part of the post-op phase is that the patient needs to wear a plaster cast for a certain period of time while keeping the foot down at all times.
How Long Will You Stay in Hospital?
In case there aren’t any medical complications after the operation, patients are discharged from the hospital the same day. Once the wound is checked and all the parameters show the patient handled the surgery successfully, leaving the hospital is the next step.
What Pain Levels Should You Expect?
The level of pain varies from person to person. It mainly depends on the effectiveness of pain management, the extent of the surgery, and pain tolerance. Typically, patients experience moderate to severe pain in the surgical area in the first few days post-op.
What Kind of Mobility and Physical Restrictions Should You Expect?
When the Achilles tendon is being treated, extensive recovery is required. During the first week, there would be no weight-bearing, and the patient needs to use crutches to move around, like after the toe shortening procedure. After the first post-op doctor visit, the patient will be fitted for a surgical boot, which will allow a bit more mobility.
What’s the Healing and Recovery Timeline?
The recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed and from each individual case. In the majority of clinics, the open Haglund’s Deformity surgery is performed, and the recovery phase lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks.
Early Phase
During the course of the first two weeks, the patient needs to use a walker or crutches to walk. Weight-bearing is completely restricted, and resting the leg in an elevated position on top of pillows as much as possible is advised. Pain and swelling can be reduced with ice.
Intermediate Phase
After the two weeks post-op, a visit to the doctor’s office needs to be scheduled. The stitches and splint will be removed, and a surgical boot designed to lift the heel will be provided. Partial weight-bearing, like after bunion surgery, and a bit of walking just while wearing the boot is allowed at this point. Physical therapy starts four weeks after the surgery.
Late Phase
The surgical boot needs to be worn during the 8-week recovery period. However, wedges inside the boot can be taken out every two weeks so that the heel is lowered to the neutral position. After ten weeks, the surgeon will check whether everything has healed properly so the patient can switch from the boot to other supportive footwear.
Are There Some Potential Complications to Consider?
Like with any foot surgery, there are different complications that can occur. With Haglund’s deformity operation, patients need to know that there are risks, such as:
- Blood clots,
- Nerve injury,
- Infection,
- Delayed healing,
- Achilles tendon detachment,
- Swelling,
- Chronic regional pain syndrome.
Schedule the Surgery With Your Surgeon in Miami and Get Rid of Haglund’s Deformity
Has a bony protrusion on the back of your heel caused pain for a long time? Our surgeon at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami can diagnose you as well as recommend a treatment plan that would nurse your feet right back to health. Don’t let this nagging condition stop you from taking confident steps. Contact us right away and get rid of this problem.
References
- Warner Orthopedics & Wellness: “Haglund’s” Deformity (Achilles and Heel) Surgery Post-Operative Instructions,
- Gelenk-Klinik: Haglund deformity: Causes, diagnosis & treatment by foot specialist,
- NHS Milton Keynes University Hospital: Haglund’s Syndrome Surgery
