How long does it take to recover from hammertoe surgery?

You will probably need to take at least 1 to 4 weeks off work, depending on your job. It will be 3 to 6 weeks or longer before you can stand or walk for long periods.

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.

Can you walk after hammertoe surgery?

Typical hammertoe surgery is done in an outpatient surgical facility with IV conscious sedation. After surgery, walking is usually allowed immediately in a protective post-operative shoe. This is used mostly to accommodate for the thick bandaging and any pins that may be visible.

How painful is hammer toe surgery?

The surgery should not hurt. After surgery, a person will typically feel some pain in the toe and must have someone drive them home. Those who choose general anesthesia may not be allowed to eat before surgery.

What is the success rate of hammer toe surgery?

The surgery is successful 80 to 90% of the time, and the rate of complications is very low. There may be some mild discomfort. “The most common complaint is stiffness and swelling of the toe, which can last for a few months,” says Dr. Botek.

Can you bend your toe after hammertoe surgery?

Can I bend my toe after surgery? Most hammertoe surgical procedures will result in some stiffening of your toe. Depending on the specific surgery performed, you may or may not be able to bend your toe once it has healed. The goals are to have a toe that is not painful and that you can place into a shoe easily.

What is the best treatment for hammer toe?

Botek, surgery is the best way to permanently fix a hammertoe. The simple procedure straightens the toe, which makes shoes fit better. And your foot will look more attractive, as well. But there are other fixes besides surgery.

What can go wrong with hammer toe surgery?

The most common complications that can arise for surgical failures include: nonunion, malunion, dactylitis, infection, neuritis, painful scarring and recurrence of deformity.

Can you straighten hammer toes without surgery?

Hammertoes cannot be straightened without surgery. Once the toe has started to bend, conservative treatments alone will not reverse it, but can only slow its progression.

Does walking barefoot help hammertoes?

The bottom line. If you do these foot stretches and strengthening exercises regularly, your feet will thank you. The stiffness and aches will subside. The exercises can relieve your heel and arch pain, and even prevent hammertoes and stop toe cramps.

What happens if you don’t fix hammer toes?

Clawtoes are bent at the middle and end joints, while hammertoes are bent at the middle joint only. When it’s mallet toe, the joint at the end of the toe buckles. The skin near the toenail tip develops a painful corn that can eventually result in an ulcer.

Do hammertoes come back after surgery?

A hammertoe usually develops as a result of progressive muscle imbalance that deforms the toe. This progression does not necessarily stop at the time of surgery. It is therefore possible but unlikely that your hammertoe may come back after surgery.

What is the best cure for hammer toes?

These include: Wear sensible shoes. If you don’t want to have surgery to fix your hammertoe, Dr. Use a pumice stone. The corn or callus that forms on top of the hammertoe can cause discomfort when you wear shoes. Do foot exercises. Dr. Botek says she gives her patients exercises for their toes to keep them supple and strengthen the muscles that move them.

How do you fix a hammer toe without surgery?

So What Are The Best Ways to Treat Hammer Toe without Surgery. Splints. Splints are especially designed to straighten the curled hammer toes. The Hammer Toe splints can used also to extend the contracted toe which has been curled up or can be utilized to pull the hammer toe down.

When is surgery necessary for hammertoe?

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. the hammer toe is affecting your balance. the hammer toe is affecting your general foot health.

How long is recovery for hammer toe surgery?

The healing process for bunion and hammertoe surgery continues for 3 to 12 months after surgery. Straining your foot soon after your surgery may lead to a poor outcome and continued pain. You may return to work when your doctor clears you to do so.