Hammertoe Surgery Recovery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hammertoes can become quite inflammed and painful. Especially if the middle toe joint turns rigid, surgery may be the only "cure." Hammertoe surgery is one of the most commonly performed types of foot surgery with a high rate of success and a low degree of danger.

Things You'll Need

• Pain reliever
• Heating Pads
• Heating pads
• Soap
• Water

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Understand that hammertoe surgery will be done with a local anesthetic, so you should not experience undue drowsiness or GI symptoms (nausea and vomiting) after your procedure.

• 2

  Follow carefully the post-surgical instructions given to you by your podiatrist, general or orthopedic surgeon.

• 3

  Use a heating pad or warm compress against your hammertoe's surgical incision. Usually 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, is recommended.

• 4

  Take acetaminophen or aspirin for post-surgical discomfort, unless otherwise ordered by your doctor.

• 5

  Stay off of your foot, as much as possible, for the first 48 hours. In some cases, your doctor may send you home with a special orthopedic "shoe." Wear this shoe according to doctor's order.

• 6

  Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks. Walking 30 minutes a day, at an easy pace, after the first post-op week is generally recommended.

• 7

  Resume driving after the first post-op week.

• 8

  Wash incision with warm, mild soap and water, pat dry, and leave open to the air, unless otherwise ordered by your doctor.

• 9

  Wear loose shoes with a roomy toe box and white cotton socks, to absorb excess mositure.