At our facility, we offer minimally invasive hammertoe surgeries. One of the main goals of minimally invasive surgeries is for the procedure’s recovery time to be shorter than traditional hammertoe correction surgeries. Although our methods aren’t intense and don’t have a long recovery time, it’s still essential to take care of your foot in recovery so that you’re content with the result of your procedure.
One of the most important factors of recovery is wearing your postoperative shoe.
A postoperative shoe is essential in the healing process because it keeps the toe in place during recovery and helps change how your foot carries weight. It also protects your toe from infection and any possible damage that could be done to the toe during recovery. Your surgeon will give you a postoperative shoe after your procedure and more in-depth instructions on how to properly take care of your toe and your shoe.
Do you sleep in post-op shoes?
If you have to sleep in your postoperative shoes depends on your case, the instructions the surgeon gives you, and where you are in the process of recovery.
For the beginning of the recovery process, we advise that you wear your shoe at all times, including while resting in bed, placing it on soft pillows to elevate your foot without putting too much pressure on it. You will also be required to sleep in the postoperative shoe; however, it’s important to note that it’s not needed long after your procedure. The shoe will help with any pain or discomfort you could otherwise experience.
The surgeon will provide you with a more in-depth instruction guide on sleeping with your postoperative shoe, including how long you have to sleep with it on.
Can I get my post-op shoe wet?
Generally speaking, it is best not to get your postoperative shoe wet. The surgeon will provide you with more in-depth instructions on whether he wants you to shower with your postoperative shoes on; however, chances are you will need to wear it in the shower and guard it by placing a plastic bag on the foot that is wearing the shoe.
Bathing and swimming are also generally prohibited for a small amount of time after surgery.
It’s also important to note that it’s advised to avoid slippery surfaces, such as the floor, when wet, as the postoperative shoe is more prone to slipping. The surgeon will give you a guide on taking care of your postoperative shoe, including instructions on cleaning it and adequately taking care of it so that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Can I drive with my post-op shoe?
Depending on your case, some factors allow you to drive with your postoperative shoe on. Typically, after hammertoe surgery, we recommend that you avoid driving for a minimum of six weeks. Factors include physical therapy exercises, sufficient recovery, and significant signs of your foot correctly healing to determine if you should be driving with a postoperative shoe.
We usually advise that you should avoid driving in order for you to be able to protect your toe, not put too much weight on your foot, and avoid any interference with recovery that driving could cause. The surgeon will instruct you when it is safe to start driving again.
Because our patient’s safety is always our priority, we recommend that you have reliable transportation from our clinic after your procedure, regardless of the postoperative recovery instructions you have received.
How long do I need to wear my post-op shoe?
The length of time you need to wear your postoperative shoe depends on multiple factors that correlate with your procedure. How many hammertoes you had corrected and how many procedures you had done on your foot, the overall process of recovery, and your overall health are all contributors to how long you need to wear your postoperative shoes.
We advise you to keep your postoperative shoe on for a minimum of 4 weeks after surgery. It isn’t typical for the surgeon to recommend you wear it for longer. After your procedure is done, the surgeon will give you in-depth instructions on how long you need to wear your postoperative shoe and steps on adjusting your everyday life and activities while wearing your postoperative shoe.
From there, he will also tell you an estimate of when it’s safe to go for prolonged periods without wearing the shoe.
Types of the post-operatory shoe.
- Post op Shoes for Broken Toe Medical Walking shoes Cast Foot Brace for Foot Surgery Operation, Fracture or Ulcer
- Closed Toe Medical Walking Shoe – Lightweight Surgical Foot Protection Cast Boot with Adjustable Straps, Orthopedic Fracture Support, and Post Bunion or Hammertoe Surgery Brace
