If you are suffering from hammertoe, then you may be wondering what you can expect from the surgery. The Hammertoe is a condition that causes your toes to curl under and get stuck in an awkward position. It can cause pain while walking or standing for long periods. If left untreated, it could lead to serious complications, including arthritis, foot ulcers, bone spurs, corns, or calluses on the ball of your foot due to pressure build-up. It is important to understand what will happen during this surgical procedure before making any decisions! In this article, we will discuss what you can expect from hammertoe surgery.
What Should You Expect from Hammer Toe Surgery?
Hammertoe surgery can be performed on both children and adults. It is usually done to correct hammertoes that are bent downward, which causes discomfort or difficulty walking. The best treatment options for hammertoe pain are decided by the type of hammertoe surgery you receive. It will depend on whether your surgeon decided to remove the ligament (Ligectomy) or tendon (Tenotomy). Toe fusion is a surgery where the toe is fused together to stop it from curling.
If you are having surgery to correct hammertoes, your surgeon will likely give you a general anesthetic so that you will be asleep during the procedure. The surgery usually takes about an hour to complete. You can expect the following:
- You will have stitches in your toe that will need to be removed after about ten days.
- You will need to wear a walking boot when you are not bearing weight on your foot.
- You may have some bruising and swelling in the area of surgery for about two weeks after surgery.
- Your toe should be protected during this time, so no high heels or tight shoes can put pressure on the hammertoes.
- During the first six to eight weeks after surgery, you will not be able to do any activities that require more than 50% of your strength or flexibility.
- You may also need physical therapy for several months following surgery.
- During this time, it is recommended that you avoid putting too much weight on the foot while standing and walking.
To Conclude
Hammertoe surgery is a common procedure that can help to correct the bend in your toes. If you consider hammer toe in Marietta, be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can expect during and after the procedure. Your doctor will likely give you specific instructions on caring for your foot following surgery.
