If you’re contemplating hammer toe surgery, you are far from alone. Hammer toes account for around 20% of all foot and ankle problems. They can cause pain, swelling, and calluses and generally make life uncomfortable.
The good news is that hammer toe treatment, including surgery, can help to relieve your symptoms. Let’s take a quick look at what to expect from hammer toe surgery recovery. We’ll also review some practical tips to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Hammer Toe Surgery Recovery Timeline
Every patient is an individual, and the surgical recovery timeline can vary accordingly. However, typically, you can expect to make a complete foot surgery recovery in six weeks.
Healing Process
The first four weeks are critical to allow the wound to heal and the joint to recover. Often, hammer toe surgery involves placing pins that will need to be removed around four weeks after the initial surgery. However, some newer treatment methods allow the pins to remain in place.
Your foot will be bandaged for the first two to four weeks. After the procedure, your surgeon will advise you on a schedule for replacing it. You will also need to get your stitches removed around two to three weeks after discharge.
Rest and Elevation
One of the best post-surgery care tips is to try to keep your foot elevated at around heart level when resting. This can help prevent blood clots, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
Getting Moving Again
When you leave the hospital, you will probably need crutches or a walker at first. Your surgeon may also give you some exercises to help your toe regain mobility as it heals. Further down the healing process, you may work with a physical therapist to regain the movement and strength in your toe and foot.
Proper Footwear After Surgery
After a hammer toe procedure, it will take several weeks before you can wear regular shoes again. First, you’ll need to wear surgical shoes with stiff soles to provide the support your foot needs. You’ll probably need to wear that for around four weeks.
As your toe continues to heal, you can progress to a wide-fitting soft shoe. You may need to wear this for up to six weeks to ensure there’s no extra pressure on your toe as it heals.
Choose Flint Foot & Ankle Institute for Hammer Toe Treatment
To enjoy a smooth hammer toe surgery recovery, it pays to choose a clinic that specializes in treating foot problems. At the Flint Foot and Ankle Institute, we provide a range of hammer toe treatment options. We will try several non-surgical methods first, but we can perform surgery when other treatments are not successful.
We provide all our patients with foot surgery recovery support to make the process as comfortable as possible. Following the tips above can help you get back to your daily activities while ensuring the healing process is not compromised.
Schedule an appointment with Wesley Flint, MD, and explore your hammer toe treatment options.
