How long does it take to recover from hammertoe surgery?
Recovery from hammertoe surgery can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Here's a general overview of the recovery process:
1. Immediately after surgery:
- After the procedure, your foot will be bandaged, and you may experience some swelling and discomfort.
- You'll likely need to wear a special shoe or cast for a few weeks to protect your toe.
- Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort.
- During this initial period, you'll need to keep your foot elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling.
2. Weeks 1-4:
- Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
- You may need to keep the stitches in place for 1-2 weeks, after which they will be removed.
- Gradually increase weight-bearing activities as tolerated, starting with short periods of standing and walking.
- Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength in your toe.
- You'll likely still need to wear a protective shoe during this phase.
3. Weeks 4-8:
- Continue with physical therapy exercises to strengthen your toe and improve flexibility.
- Increase your activity level gradually, but avoid putting too much stress on your toe.
- Custom shoe inserts (orthotics) may be recommended to provide support and correct any alignment issues.
4. Beyond 8 weeks:
- Most people have significant improvement in their hammertoe symptoms by this point.
- Physical therapy may still be ongoing, but you should be able to participate in most daily activities without restrictions.
- Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding the return to your normal footwear.
- Complete recovery and resolution of any post-operative stiffness or discomfort may take several months.
Remember that the timeline described here is an approximation and may vary from person to person. It's important to follow your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.