What To Know About The Hammertoe Surgery Recovery Process
Are you scheduled to have an upcoming surgery to fix your problem with hammertoe? This is a condition where your foot has a deformity where they are painful or difficult to move. It will help to know what the recovery process looks like in order to be well-prepared for what will happen.
You'll Be Getting An Outpatient Surgery
Hammertoe surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you are home the same day of the surgery. This means you are responsible for much of your recovery since you won't be immediately monitored by nurses or doctors for those first few days of recovery.
You'll Need To Keep Weight Off The Foot
You'll be instructed to keep weight off your foot for several days after the surgery, which means using crutches, a walker, or even a scooter to get around. You should not be putting any pressure on your foot unless you absolutely have to. Consider getting a shower chair so that you can sit down in the shower, rather than have to balance yourself on one foot and risk injury.
You'll Return To The Doctor For A Follow-up Visit
Your doctor will give you a follow-up appointment, which is usually after about a week to see how the surgical site is healing. They are going to determine if the surgery was successful or not, and give you advice on what the next steps are.
You'll Wear A Medical Boot
If everything looks okay, you'll then be fitted for a medical boot so that you can start putting weight on the foot. These medical boots have a flat bottom that is made out of solid material, which prevents your toes from accidentally bending upward as you step on your foot. It won't take long to get used to walking on the boot, and you'll only be wearing it for a few weeks. Just remember to take it easy and not put too much stress on your foot.
You'll Need To Remove The Pins
If you had pins inserted into your foot to help with the healing process, you'll need to return to the doctor to have that pin removed. It is a simple procedure that does not take long and can be done at the doctor's office.
You'll Switch To Wearing Normal Shoes
Your doctor will advise you when it is time to switch to wearing normal shoes. At this point, the recovery process is almost complete. Just make sure that swelling and comfort continue to improve, and reach out to your doctor if you notice those things getting worse.