If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from hammertoe, consider surgery a treatment option. Hammertoe is a condition in which the toes are bent into an awkward position and can cause pain and discomfort. Surgery is often considered the best way to correct the problem. An expert foot doctor in Marietta offers the best treatment for hammertoe surgery.
Knowing what to expect after surgery is essential before deciding how to proceed. Generally, the recovery time from hammertoe surgery varies depending on the patient and their circumstances. We will discuss what to expect during your recovery period and how long it will take to feel back to normal.
What is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity in the middle joint of the second, third or fourth toe. It causes the toes to bend at an abnormal angle and become fixed. Hammertoes can be painful when pressure is applied to them, such as by wearing shoes that are too tight, and can lead to other complications if left untreated. Some symptoms of hammertoe include difficulty walking, pain in the toes and feet, swelling of the affected area, and a curvature of the toe.
Types of Hammertoe Surgeries
Several types of hammertoe surgeries are available to treat different degrees of deformity in the toes. Based on the severity and location of your hammertoe, some common surgical treatments may include:
- Arthroplasty: This procedure involves softening and realigning the toe joint by cutting away a small portion of the bone.
- Fusion Surgery: Also known as arthrodesis, this procedure involves permanently joining the two bones in the affected joint.
- Tendon Transfer: This is when a tendon from another part of your foot is used to replace the damaged one and realign your toe.
Factors That Affect the Recovering From Hammertoe Surgery
Hammertoes are a painful and often progressive condition that occurs when the middle joint of a toe becomes abnormally bent. This can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking. Here are some factors that affect the recovery time from hammertoe surgery:
1. Type of Surgery
The type of hammertoe surgery performed will heavily influence the recovery time. Depending on your particular case, you may need either a short-term or long-term procedure. Short-term procedures are usually done under local anesthetic and involve cutting muscles, ligaments, and tendons to reposition the toe. More prolonged procedures require more complex techniques, such as cutting and resetting bones.
2. Severity of Hammertoe
The actual time it takes for a patient to recover from hammertoe surgery will depend on how severe the deformity is. For example, if the toe has been bent for a long time, the surgery will take longer to heal and may require specialized aftercare.
3. Post-Operative Care
Following any surgery, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions closely to ensure a speedy recovery. This includes taking medications as prescribed, keeping your feet elevated, and using ice to reduce swelling.
4. Overall Health
Patients with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation may take longer to recover from hammertoe surgery than those without these conditions. In addition, smoking can impair healing due to constricting blood vessels and reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the affected area.
In general, most people can expect to return to everyday activities within two to four weeks after the surgery. Contact the Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia for hammertoe treatment in Marietta. We will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you.
