How Long Before You Can Walk After Hammertoe Surgery?

You can change how you move with hammertoe surgery. But, after surgery, you may have many questions about how soon you can walk. No need to worry; this is a common concern among people, especially those who need to return to work or daily activities. Stick with us to learn all about walking after hammertoe surgery.

Can I Walk After Hammertoe Surgery?

Yes, but with proper care. Before you start walking after hammertoe surgery in Chandler, you better talk to your doctors and learn the specific limitations before walking again. To protect the foot, you need to use crutches, a walker, or a surgical shoe. Walking without full pressure on the foot is important during the first few weeks after your surgery.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Again After Hammertoe Surgery?

The time you need to become prepared to walk after hammertoe surgery depends on various factors like the type of procedure and its severity. Here are some common time frames:

• Minor Surgery (Soft Tissue Only): This kind of surgery is less invasive compared to other kinds of surgery. With a protective boot, you can start walking after hammertoe surgery in Arizona as early as 1-2 weeks. However, full weight-bearing is restricted at first and will gradually increase as you get better.
• Moderate Surgery (Bone Involvement): More invasive surgeries involving bone work may require walking after 4-6 weeks. A special shoe is usually worn during this period to protect the foot and speed up the healing process.
• Severe Surgery (Joint Fixation with Pins): This kind of surgery is the most invasive one. Hammertoe surgery with pins recovery takes longer. Depending on the recovery process, walking might take 6-8 weeks. Pins are usually removed after a few weeks and patients need to wear protective shoes for a while.

When Can I Exercise After Hammertoe Surgery?

Exercising or even walking immediately after hammertoe surgery is not recommended. However, following a certain timeline can help you regain strength and flexibility. The following timeline tells when to start exercising and walking after hammertoe surgery in Gilbert:

• To help your foot recover faster, avoid heavy exercises such as weightlifting, squats, or intense cardio for 6-8 weeks.
• Activities like cycling or swimming are not allowed for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid sports that involve jumping or high-impact sports like running for 8-12 weeks.

Helpful Exercises for Walking Faster After Hammertoe Surgery

Needless to say, doing exercise after surgery can also depend on the type of exercise. Some exercises can help you to recover faster. The following exercises can help you return sooner to walking after hammertoe surgery in Scottsdale by improving flexibility, reducing stiffness, and preventing the recurrence of hammertoe:

• Toe Crunches: To do this exercise, you should sit in a chair, place a towel under your foot, and scrunch the towel with your toes while keeping your heel on the ground. Repeat this movement 10-12 times.
• Toe Stretches: Use a towel or your hands, then gently pull your toes towards you and hold for 20-30 seconds. Do this stretch 3-5 times daily to improve mobility.
• Toe Taps: While sitting, point your big toe towards the floor and lift the other toes. Change positions and repeat 10-12 times.
• Toe Rolls: Lift your toes while keeping your heel on the ground, then lower them one by one. This movement helps improve coordination and strength.
• Spikey Ball Massage: To perform this movement, you need a spikey ball to massage the bottom of your foot to release tension and improve circulation. This can be done for 5-10 minutes twice a day.

How to Walk After Hammertoe Surgery?

Walking after hammertoe surgery in Phoenix requires extra care. Here’s how to make the process easier:

• You may need to use crutches or a walker to prevent putting too much pressure on your operated foot​. A surgical boot or special shoe can help to protect your foot when walking short distances.
• Don’t put too much pressure on your foot and increase it as your doctor advises.
• Physical Therapy can be a safe way to reduce stiffness and regain strength.
• Elevate your foot, use an ice pack, and wear compression to reduce the pain and swelling caused by surgery.
• If you are experiencing infections after surgery, Wear a sterile bandage.

What Factors Accelerate Walking After Hammertoe Surgery?

Several factors can help you recover faster and walk sooner after surgery. If you have recently undergone this surgery, do the following to recover and walk faster:

• Follow your doctor’s orders carefully, especially those related to weight-bearing limits. This can speed up your recovery by 20-30%.
• Using medical devices like surgical boots to protect and prevent re-injury can shorten recovery time by about 15%.
• Rest and keep your foot elevated to reduce your recovery time by about 10-20%.
• Using ice and compression techniques during recovery can help you walk sooner by about 10%.
• Maintaining a healthy diet and hydration can help tissue healing, speeding up recovery by 5-10%.
• Physical therapy exercises reduce your recovery time by around 15-20% and increase your strength and flexibility.

Hammertoe Surgery Recovery in Arizona

This surgery is a great solution for chronic toe pain and discomfort. In case you’re struggling with hammertoe and are considering surgery, schedule an online appointment with our foot and ankle specialists. We’re here to make walking after hammertoe surgery easier!

Walking after hammertoe surgery: Let’s Recap

Considering all these points, walking after hammertoe surgery in Mesa differs based on the type of surgery and aftercare. Whether you undergo minor or invasive procedures, you better listen to your doctor’s advice and take proper care of your foot after surgery.

FAQs

How far can I walk after surgery?

In the first weeks, walking is limited to short distances. After 4-6 weeks, you can increase your walking distance gradually.

Can I walk normally after surgery?

Yes, walking normally after hammertoe surgery is possible after you fully recover.

How painful is hammertoe surgery recovery?

Pain and swelling are common during recovery. However, they can be managed with medication and proper care.

Will I be able to bend my toe after surgery?

This depends on the type of surgery you’ve had. In some cases, your toe may lose some flexibility.