What to Expect Before, During, and After Hammertoe Surgery
Wiki Article
If you're dealing with the pain and discomfort of minimally invasive, a hammertoe, surgery may be on the table (literally). While the idea of foot surgery can be intimidating, understanding what happens before, during, and after hammertoe surgery can help ease your mind and prepare you for a smoother recovery.
Let’s walk you through each stage—step by step.
Before Hammertoe Surgery: Getting Ready
1. Consultation and Diagnosis
Your journey starts with a thorough consultation with a foot and ankle specialist. They’ll assess the severity of your hammertoe, take X-rays, and discuss whether conservative treatments (like orthotics, physical therapy, or footwear changes) might still work. If not, surgery may be recommended.
2. Pre-Surgical Prep
Once surgery is scheduled, your doctor will give you specific pre-operative instructions. This may include:
Stopping certain medications (like blood thinners)
Fasting before the procedure (if general anesthesia is used)
Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery
You might also want to prepare your home for post-op life—think comfy pillows, easy access to essentials, and maybe a binge-worthy series or two.
During Hammertoe Surgery: What Happens in the OR
Hammertoe surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day.
1. Anesthesia
You’ll receive local anesthesia (numbing just your foot) or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of your case and your doctor’s recommendation.
2. The Procedure Itself
The surgical technique varies based on the type and severity of your hammertoe. Common options include:
Tendon release or transfer: to improve toe alignment
Joint resection: removing part of the bone to straighten the toe
Fusion (arthrodesis): removing joint surfaces and using a pin, screw, or wire to keep the toe straight while it heals
Most procedures take less than an hour.
After Hammertoe Surgery: Recovery and Results
1. Immediately After Surgery
You’ll rest in a recovery area for a short while. Your foot will likely be bandaged and possibly in a special shoe or splint. You’ll receive instructions for pain management, wound care, and walking (usually with limited weight-bearing).
2. The First Few Weeks
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal in the early days. You’ll need to:
Keep your foot elevated as much as possible
Avoid putting full weight on the foot unless advised otherwise
Keep the surgical site clean and dry
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and remove stitches or pins if used.
3. Long-Term Recovery
Full recovery can take anywhere from 6 weeks to a few months, depending on the procedure and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength and mobility.
Most people report significant pain relief and improved function after healing.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. Don’t try to rush recovery!
Stay off your feet when advised. Elevation helps reduce swelling and pain.
Choose footwear wisely. Once healed, go for shoes with plenty of toe room and good support to avoid recurrence.
Final Thoughts
Hammertoe surgery can feel daunting, but it’s often the best option for lasting relief when conservative treatments fall short. By knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, you can go into surgery feeling confident and prepared.
Your feet will thank you!
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