need info on hammertoe surgery

gavel · Newbie Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 13

Probably I will have to undergo hammertoe surgery. I would like to have some additional info. Is anyone familiar with the success rate of hammertoe surgery? Will hammertoe surgery be done under local or general anesthesia?

verhoef · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 21

Hello!
Hammertoe surgery is one of the most commonly performed types of foot surgery. I am not familiar with percentages, but hammertoe surgery has a high rate of success and low degree of danger. It is true that recovery process might be uneasy, since you are to avoid vigorous activity after operation, among which is also routine daily activity. Otherwise, you are recommended to walk at easy pace after first post op week. Of course you should also avoid tight shoes in future and maybe you shall be even prescribed with orthopedic shoe.
If you need any kind of additional info, do not hesitate to ask.

mebabydoll · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 2

I'm due to have surgery on all 5 toes for rigid hammertoes. This was attibuted from a car accident when I was young and the Dr. putting on the cast too tight. I've lived with this problem for 35 years now. The podiatrist said he could straighten out my toes by putting pins in them and also get rid of some arthritis that has set in. My question is has anybody had all toes straightened and how long is the recovery? I don't want to make matters worse as I am not in much pain as of now.

Laylah · Silver Member Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 178

chosenvessel · Newbie Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

I had hammertoe and bunion surgery on both of my feet (all 10 toes) on July 18th. I'm now 5 weeks into my recovery and things are going great. The first day or two was painful (only when I would get up to walk because the blood rushes to your feet). I was in bed with minimal walking for the first two weeks. At that point the stictches were removed and I was given an orthopedic shoe and am able to walk around (on the heels of my feet) a little more. I don't have pain in my fight, but just a "tightening" feeling. Every now and then it feels like someone is squeezing my toes together and I can't bend them. I'm in physical therapy now and am learning to use my toes again. They give you exercises to do (like picking up marbles and curling your toes) to build strength. One of the things I was concerned with was scarring ( I was in shock the first time I saw my feet after surgery). Although I wasn't in any pain, because of all of the stitches (over 100 in both feet), to me, my feet looked awful. My doctor took one look at them at said "Wow! They look great!!! My skin is healing and starting to peel and I will have absolutely no scarring. My next step is to walk flat on my feet. I'm excited about that.
I would say that the most important things to do after the surgery would be to keep your foot up to avoid swelling and follow every direction your doctor gives you. I know someone who had the surgery and didn't follow the doctor's orders. She wore shoes too early and now after 5 years has excessive pain in her feet and can only wear open toe shoes. For me, having the surgery has been so worth it. Hammertoes are genetic in my family so I had them since I was a small child. I'd always hated my feet. Now I look at them and just smile. Hope this is helpful.

grace28 · Newbie Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 3

I was so happy to see your post. I have 5 toes done 3 days ago. I'm not in alot of pain. I don't need the percocets really and can hobble around but I'm reading such horror stories!! How are you now?

sgunders · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

I am 29 years old and just had hammertoe correction surgery on all 4 toes n my right foot 5 days ago. The surgery went great. I have pins in all toes- all the way back to my ankle. I was told I could walk on my heals right away and would be driving in two. Like I said this is now day 5. Walking on my heals is a no go...hurts too bad. I get burning in my toes alot at night. I have been taking Lortab 10's, Ibuprophen 800's and flexeril to sleep and relax the muscles. I recommend staying on a schedule to stay in front of the pain or it is bad!! I have to wait 7 more days to get the bandages changed.
One thing I can say is stay off your feet for the first week and dont push it. Also, take stool softeners and magnesium citrate to combat the constipation from the meds. I was not told and went 5 days now with no BM and was getting sicker by the minute until I called my family doctor. That was the worst.
In 4 weeks I get the rods out and then when it is all healed I go in to get my other foot done. Not looking forward to it but I cant wait to have my feet back!!!

Guest · Guest

germdawerm · Newbie Joined: 09 Apr 2007 Posts: 23

let me ask u what kind of procedure did u have and u was in any pain at all u did both fet all 10 toes and had no pain. aslo how old were u when u got ths done and how long did it take for u to get backto normal

germdawerm · Newbie Joined: 09 Apr 2007 Posts: 23

let me ask you u had only one foot done and had hammertoes on every foot and udidnt have no pian may i ask how old were u wher u got this done and did u have rigid hammertoes

need info on hammertoe surgery

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK