Hammertoe surgery is
a procedure to correct a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toe
—a bend at the middle joint that makes the toe look like a claw or hammer. The surgery is performed to lessen pain and/or improve flexibility when the muscles in the toe can’t stretch and straighten.
How long does it take to recover from hammertoe surgery?
The recovery time following hammer toe surgery can vary depending on the procedure performed. In general, it takes
approximately 6 weeks to 3 months
to fully recover from surgery. Many patients can walk immediately following surgery in a stiff-soled, surgical shoe or boot.
Can you walk after hammertoe surgery?
Activity after surgery will be limited
, and tenderness in the ball-of-foot and toe is expected. Your walking will be slowed down for several weeks. Impact-style activity like walking or running is usually not comfortable until closer to 6-12 weeks post-op.
When should you get hammer toe surgery?
When surgery for hammertoe is your best option
The number one reason to have surgery is
pain
. Hammertoes that are flexible and don’t cause pain are considered mild to moderate. Surgery is done for severe deformities that are fixed and immobile and causing pain.
Can you bend your toe after hammertoe surgery?
Can you bend your toe after hammertoe surgery? It depends on the specific surgical intervention used to correct the deformity. You’
ll be able to bend the toe at the MTP joint
(where the toe joins the foot). If permanent screws or bone fusion were involved, you won’t be able to bend the middle toe joint.
How bad does hammer toe surgery hurt?
Under local anesthetic, a person will not be able to feel the procedure itself, but they may feel pressure or pulling.
The surgery should not hurt
. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home.
Is it worth getting hammer toe surgery?
For many, the answer is a resounding, “
yes
.” That’s because hammertoe surgery includes all of the following benefits: It’s effective. Our minimally invasive hammertoe surgery corrects the alignment of the foot and allows for pain-free movement. It relieves pain and fixes the problem.
Does insurance pay for hammertoe surgery?
Hammer toe is usually covered by insurance or Medicare if the condition is deemed medically necessary
. Your doctor may consider the surgery medically necessary if: you’re experiencing pain.
How long is non weight bearing after hammertoe surgery?
You may weight bear as tolerated on your heel immediately after surgery. You should avoid putting weight on the front of your foot or toes
for 4 weeks after surgery
. Once your pin is out, you may begin normal walking and transition into a regular shoe, as you are comfortable.
How long after foot surgery can I walk?
Since virtually all foot and ankle operations require rest and elevation of the operated foot for
at least 2 weeks
following surgery, it is rare that a patient will be allowed to return to work before 2 weeks following surgery.
What is the best treatment for hammer toe?
- Wear only shoes that are high and broad across the toes, called a wide toe-box shoe. …
- Don’t wear heels higher than 2 inches.
- Wear the appropriate shoe for the activity you are doing.
- You can buy non-medicated hammertoe pads. …
- Gently massaging the toe may help relieve pain.
Does hammer toe get worse?
Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and
get progressively worse over time
. In the earlier stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can often be managed with noninvasive measures. But if left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and will not respond to nonsurgical treatment.
Can you have hammer toe surgery on both feet at same time?
Often times, when patients with hammertoes have bunions or other foot deformities on the same foot,
surgery can be done at the same time
. When there are bilateral deformities (present of both feet) surgical options become more complex and may vary.
What is minimally invasive hammer toe surgery?
Minimally invasive hammertoe correction (MIS) is based on the philosophy that
goals of the surgery can be met with the least amount of collateral damage possible
. It is comparable to a cardiac catheterization to fix a clogged artery rather than having a formal open thoracotomy.
What do you do after 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. Your doctor will
remove your stitches or sutures
about 2 weeks after the surgery.
Is foot surgery painful?
Foot surgery itself is not painful
. For any kind of procedure that involves opening the body, your foot will be treated with some kind of anesthetic. Often the anesthetic is localized—it only affects the specific area of your foot that is being treated.
