How long does it take to heal from big toe surgery?

Your Recovery

You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot for 3 to 6 weeks.

How long do you have to stay off your feet after toe surgery?

After being laid up due to a foot or ankle surgery, you're probably more than ready to get back on your feet. But when it comes to postsurgical care, you need patience. It can take up to six months for your foot or ankle to feel normal, and up to a year to completely heal.

Can you walk after big toe Fusion?

Immediately after your operation

When you have recovered from the anaesthetic, you'll be shown how to use crutches and walk using a surgical sandal. This will allow you to put weight on the back/heel of your foot so you can walk while keeping weight off the front/ball of the foot where you have had surgery.

Is big toe surgery painful?

In the first few days after surgery, you'll likely have some throbbing pain. You'll be prescribed pain medication to make you comfortable. Swelling is also common, but you can usually manage it by keeping your foot elevated whenever possible during the first week or so after surgery.

What are the side effects of big toe Fusion?

What Can I Do After Big Toe Fusion Surgery? Run, Walk, Yoga?

How soon after toe fusion can you walk?

After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. You may not be able to put weight on the foot during those 6 weeks. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year.

Do you need physical therapy after big toe Fusion?

If you have a Cartiva or joint fusion performed, you will need physical therapy. With the Cartiva surgery, physical therapy is necessary after surgery to regain motion of the toe, break up scar tissue, and to decrease swelling.

Is big toe surgery successful?

Studies have shown good restoration in the gait with very few functional limitations. This surgery is also an excellent option for patients with arthritis associated with deformity of the toe. The major disadvantage of this surgery is that a good result is a completely rigid joint.

How should I sleep after foot surgery?

Make sure your heel is suspended off the bed by keeping a pillow underneath your calf not your knee. If you are having too much pain after surgery, it may be from swelling in your foot or ankle. It may be necessary to split the cast or dressing to get relief.

What is the success rate of big toe Fusion?

Successful healing occurs in approximately 90% of patients who comply with postoperative restrictions. Dr. Whalen notes that revision surgery can be avoided if patients with metatarsophalangeal arthritis opt for fusion surgery, which generally provides positive outcomes.

How long does pain last after toe surgery?

You will have pain and swelling that slowly improves in the 6 weeks after surgery. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year. After surgery, you will need to wear a cast or a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for at least 3 to 6 weeks.

Can I wear sandals after big toe Fusion?

Soft shoes, trainers or sandals that allow free space around the toe are recommended initially and it may be a further 8 weeks before you are comfortable in a normal 'work' shoe. Recreational walking and sports may take 2-3 months to be considered comfortable.

Can you drive after toe surgery?

In a broad sense, post-operative therapy can help us understand when recovery is complete for driving, but for most patients driving at two to six weeks is possible for nearly all left lower extremity surgeries. It is more reasonable to consider waiting between four to 12 weeks for most right lower extremity surgeries.

How can I speed up healing after foot surgery?

Elevation is crucial to a fast recovery as it helps with pain and swelling. Elevate above the hip level. This is the most beneficial position as it helps bring blood away to reduce pressure and lessen pain. Also, use ice or ice packs soon after surgery by applying for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off.

How long do you wear a boot after toe surgery?

They will slowly get better with time. After surgery, you will need to wear a special type of shoe to protect your toe and to keep it in the right position for 3 to 6 weeks.

Will I be able to bend my toe after bunion surgery?

13) Normal walking will not be a part of your routine for at least 8 weeks after surgery. Expect mild pain and restriction of movement (bending) of the toes for 8 weeks or more. Normal shoes may not be possible for 8-16 weeks after surgery depending on swelling.

What happens if you don't elevate foot after surgery?

Since you will need to rest a lot the first few days after your foot surgery, elevating your foot will significantly reduce swelling. If you don't elevate, fluid may collect in the foot and cause additional pain. Use comfortable pillows to make sure your foot is securely elevated.

Is it OK to sleep on your side after foot surgery?

You can sleep comfortably and safety on your side, as long as a pillow or other support is between your knees. Other sleep positions are not recommended and are potentially dangerous because they can require you to twist your legs and cause dislocation.

How do I start walking again after foot surgery?

What shoes can I wear after big toe Fusion?

You will need to wear a wedge shoe or stiffsoled shoe for approximately 6 weeks after surgery to protect the fusion. Wedge / offloading shoe. Either a nurse or a therapist will help you to get out of bed and start walking. You must keep your weight on your heel and OFF the front of your foot for 6 weeks.

Why can't I bend my big toe upwards?

If you can't bend your big toe, you may have a condition called hallux rigidus that is caused when degenerative arthritis increases deterioration of the big toe joint. Risk factors for developing hallux rigidus include having poorly treated flat feet, gout, and other arthritic conditions.

Can arthritis be removed from big toe?

There are several treatment options available to treat big toe arthritis including an open cheilectomy, realignment osteotomy, joint replacement, interposition arthroplasty, and joint fusion. Joint fusion is an effective treatment for pain and swelling but the joint motion is sacrificed.

Is big toe Fusion a good idea?

An operation is only recommended as a last resort, once non-operative treatment measures for hallux rigidus have been exhausted and if your symptoms remain significant. A big toe fusion is not recommended for cosmetic reasons or to avoid problems that are not yet present.

Can you wear heels after big toe fusion surgery?

The toe is positioned for optimal function. Once fusion is successful, you will be able to wear most shoes (but not necessarily all types and generally not more than a 2 inch/5 cm high heel. There are no limits to the amount of type of exercise activities allowed subsequently.