Hammertoe Surgery - my experience and some helpful tips
Posted , 52 users are following.
Hello
I had Hammertoe surgery 4 weeks ago on both feet, 6 toes in total and I thought I would share my experience as I had so many questions and needed more information and "googled" obsessively to find out more - so here is my experience.
Surgery Day
I arrived at the hospital and was quickly shown to my bed then found out to my complete surprise that the operation was to be undertaken using an Epidural - I had been under the impression it would general anesthetic but no....
So the Epidural was uncomfortable but not painful and I was given something which completely chilled me out - I mean in a big way!
I had the surgery was awake the whole time, could hear what was going on but I was that relaxed it didn't matter.
Once the hospital were happy I had normal feeling they said I could go home - another suprise given I had been under the impression that I would be in over night....... it took about 8 hours for the feeling to return.
Now the walking on the feet hurt, seriously not good but the physio was sure that I wouldn't need any walking aids - however I would strongly suggest you get a walking stick or better still crutches for use when you get home.
Days 2-5 - I literally lied in bed all the time only moved to go to the toilet and never came downstairs.
Day 6 - I felt comfortable enough to spend some time in the lounge with the family
Day 7 Onwards - I was pottering around however please be mindful that if you over do it your feet will hurt and elevation is the only cure along with a few paracetmols and Ibruprofen.
Then I improved - we loaned a wheelchair from British Red Cross for a small donation (I gave them £20 for the month)..... I could at least go for a spin around the estate and managed to go out to the pub for lunch occasionally.
I have a seat in my shower so that I can independantly take a shower - I just cover my feet in carrier bags and make sure they are sticking out away from the water.
Cover up your toes if it is winter - something like the ends from a pair of welly socks keeps them warm and also stops people looking at your pins :-) My friend made me some little toe hats which look like babies hats for the ends of my feet and my velcro shoes held them in place.
Week 2 - stiches removed, now this did not hurt but for two days following my toes were sore.... extra laying down required.
After 3 weeks - with the aid of my crutches I managed to take my little girl to school.
Week 4 - Pins removal..... Absolutely does not hurt - it is a wierd kinda sliding feeling all in all less than 10 minutes to undress my feet then remove the pins and clean my toes.... I was nervous but it was really a doddle.... Today is the day after the pins came out and I am a little tender and my feet are freezing so they are now wrapped in some big fluffy socks.
Epsom Salts ordered ready for Thursday so I can have a long soak in the bath (48 hours post pin removal)
Friday I aim to try driving shoes permitting and also going for a little swim!
My feet are too swolen for normal shoes at the moment so I have tried walking bare foot and I can although it feels odd after walking on my heels for 4 weeks.
I have invested in a pair of new balance trainers which are half a size too big ready for some serious walking.
Top tips;
Manage your pain - don't let it get on top of you in the early days
Cover your toes with little "hats" they will get cold if the weather is cold
Have some walking aids at home - they will help in the early days
Consider hiring a wheelchair if you want to go out - 4 weeks in the house is a long time.......
Wear the shoes the hospital gives you - they will aid recovery and ensure you don't damage any healing...
Prepare for a long drawn out wait..... consider working from home if you can (I had one day off for this entire process)
Feet up as much as you can
Comfy clothing is a must!
In conclusion - it was sooooo worth it my feet look fabulous albiet swollen at the moment and I am looking forward to walking in shoes pain free! :-)
5 likes, 295 replies
Velda marie19880
Posted
Loved reading everyone's comments and found them very helpful.
I inherited 2 hammer toes from my Mum. 2nd toe on each foot. I had one straightened 11 years ago but managed to break it after a few weeks and had to have it redone. I stubbed it against my bedroom door. Boy it hurt!
I have always hated my feet and kept them well hidden. I was so embarressed by them. I remember a rare occasion when I walked from my hotel room down to the pool in sandals and was aware of people staring at my feet as I travelled in the lift.....
I dream of wearing open toe shoes or even walking around barefoof
i am 58 now and retired, I felt the time was right to attack my other offending toe.
Two weeks ago I had a pip fusion under a GA. I have a pin protruding out of the top of my toe which will be removed 6 weeks post surgery.
I was expecting crutches (like last time) but was supplied with a very substantial Jura Medical black shoe with velcro straps. It makes you walk on your heel. This was great until I had my stitches removed yesterday. Since then my toe has been very uncomfortable. After having the stitches removed, the nurse just stuck a plaster tound my toe. It had been well bsndaged before and felt safe and secure.
A short while after arriving home, it was so uncomfortable, I decided to bandage it up myself. I removed the plaster and looked at it for the first time. I had a stitch on my instep (something to do with releasing a tendon?). There are about 5 horizontal but very tight looking scars and some green puss. Does this sound normal? The nurse didn't say anything. I can't see how it could be infected as it has been covered at all times.
My toe also looks very misshapen although not really swollen. Will my toe shape improve when it heals? At the moment, I'm disappointed with the result and realise that my expectations were too high..
Anyway - a word of advice - I have found that a larger special shoe gives your toes and pins more protection. I have also worn it every night in bed as it keeps the weight of the bedding off my foot and allows me the freedom to lie in any position - even on my stomach.
Barb47 Velda
Posted
Hi Velda. Had all four toes done with pins out of the top and they weren't covered at all! They did put a lightweight stockinette covering on my foot which covered them but zero protection. Had same heavy duty Velcro shoe that I slept in also. Pins came out April 10. Toes are swollen so wearing Birkenstock sandals. None of regular shoes fit but did find two pairs of really good sandals on Amazon so I'll walk better. Second week back to work. It's difficult but I work for hubby so flex hours. I've been following all advice in all these posts such as keeping foot elevated and soaking foot to flex toes and ice when needed.
The green pus I didn't have at all. Maybe check with dr.
I'll be 70 in October and am not pushing recovery. Am driving which is going well. Good luck with everything. These posts really help ?
Velda Barb47
Posted
Thanks for your reply.
Wow Barb - 4 toes at once. You're brave!
You waited even longer than me for surgery.
I cleaned my toe up this morning and it looks much better now - no green!
Might invest in some Birkenstock sandals as the swelling can take weeks or months to go down.
Good luck with your recovery.
Velda Rhodes
ann66453 marie19880
Posted
Hi Marie,
Mikatsek marie19880
Posted
You gave very useful information that a doctor never offers!
I have several hammertoes and a bunion but I can NOT have bunionectomy now and it does not hurt
I live in the USA (east coast)
I teach at a university and classes start at the end of August
I have scheduled my surgery at the end of July to have exactly 4 weeks for the removal of the pins so I can go to my classes Hopefully the weather will be good until end of September so I can wear sandals...
I have a question: did you have any protruding bone on the bunion shaved off?
All in all when did your feet become normal again? How far could you walk with the surgical shoes?
Thanks again!
Barb47 Mikatsek
Posted
Hi. I live in Pittsburgh so we're almost neighbors 😊 Had four toes done March 9 with pins removed April 10. Latest follow up was this past Friday. Foot will most likely remain swollen for about six months. Wore my Birkenstocks at first but needed something with more support. However problem is feet are different sizes. Velcro closing sandals were my savior. Found two styles on Amazon. Brizo Samme by Clarks and Sophie by Earth Originals. Bought two of each in different colors. Secure walking easy to adjust.
I was off work till April 16 but able to drive the day I returned to work. Not long distance but to get to work
I followed all the advice on all these posts such as kept foot elevated when home and continued to use the ice packs I used after surgery. Another Amazon savior was a sturdy foam pillow Millard Foam leg elevator cushion. Cradles your leg and keeps foot elevated so easily. Used it every night and it's still in family room where I use it when foot swells at end of day
Good luck. These posts were my lifeline during this process
EmmaT7 marie19880
Posted
Hey all,
I'm due to have my pins out on Wednesday 10th May & I was just wondering on a scale of 1-10 how much it hurts. My one pin is completely turning all the way round when I move it so I don't see that one being a problem to be removed, 2 others seem to move abit but one will not move at all. I'm worried that they are going to hurt so much when they get removed so just wanted some info off everyone who's had their pins removed already.
I'm looking forward to have them removed but nervous at the same time.
Barb47 EmmaT7
Posted
Hi Emma. Had mine out April 10. No big deal. Two slipped right out. Other two on scale 1-10 were a 2-3. I'd worried as you are but deep breath and all okay. Good luck. Get some sandals with Velcro closings as you'll have two different size feet for bout six months. I found two great ones on Amazon and bought two of each style. One happy walking woman now. Blessings
EmmaT7 Barb47
Posted
Hi Barb,
Thank you for the reassurance. I've still got my 2 special shoes that they gave me so will ask to keep those aswel to use. I'll ask them if I can keep my crutches aswel as find myself more confident when walking outside with the crutches. I don't use the crutches in the house I only use them for when I leave the house for support and balance because the strain of not being able to bend my feet when walking had been hurting my hip which I suffer with anyone. I'll let you know how I get on.
Barb47 EmmaT7
Posted
Forgot you had both done. Even with the special boots I'd still recommend the Velcro close sandals for that day when your ready. Good luck
sally78576 EmmaT7
Posted
Hi Emma - I had my pins taken out on the 10th April - no problem at all. I only had pins in two toes, the second toe on each foot. Didn't really feel any pain at all ( and the pins weren't moving in my toes), it honestly just felt as though someone had given the toe a quick pinch. I'm now managing fine in Velcro closing sandals and some closed in shoes made of woven elastic. Good luck 👍
Velda Barb47
Posted
Interested in reading the replies. My pin is rock solid in my toe! As I only have the one, I'm not worrying about its removal. When I had the same op about 10 years ago, ithe pin was removed before I knew it!
I've read somewhere that the longer the pin is in, the easier it is to remove.
Barb - Please can you tell me the name of your velcro sandals from Amazon? They sound ideal.
Wow sandals - can't believe I want to purchase sandals for the first time in my life! Hooray!
Regards
Velda
Barb47 Velda
Posted
Clarks Brizo Samme Flat Sandal. I got the perforated microfiber ones in black and in navy.
Second style Earth Origins Sophie. One in red and one beige. Both styles and all four pairs I've put on and worn the entire day 😊
All four of my pins went the entire length of my foot which totally freaked me out when I saw the X-ray of them but maybe that's why they came out easily. Hope you find the sandals 😊
Velda Barb47
Posted
I think your X-ray wouod fresk me out too! My pin is just the length of my toe but I found incisions and stitches on my instep where tendons have been released.
Need to have local aneasthetics in future so I can keep an eye on the surgeon!
Cheers
Velda
ss22049 Barb47
Posted
Hi barb
Hope you are well and enjoying a speedy recovery!
Thank you for the shoe suggestion. I bought a pair in coral on Saturday. They are sooooo comfortable. I couldn't fit any other shoes on, and these have been a life saver
Love suzi x
Barb47 ss22049
Posted
This makes me so happy. They've been my foot savior this spring. Progressing so well. Actually got a pedicure last Friday. Wow foot felt so much better after. Two toes still stiff but all in good time. Best of luck to you