Recovering from hammertoe surgery requires attentive care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding pain relief and any prescribed antibiotics to avoid infection. Keeping the pain under control will also help you stay mobile and adhere to post-surgery exercises. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the healing process, with particular emphasis on nutrients like vitamin C and protein to aid tissue repair. Incision care is vital for preventing infections includes keeping the surgical site clean and dry and following your podiatrist's guidelines on changing dressings. Avoid soaking the foot until the incision is fully healed, and watch for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Elevating the foot and limiting activity as recommended will reduce swelling and promote faster recovery. If you have had hammertoe surgery, it is suggested that you keep in close contact with your podiatrist who can monitor your recovery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Robert Stein, DPM of South Shore Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cedarhurst and Franklin Square, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.