Hammer toe surgery - recovery question?

Question

I had hammer toe surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago and the surgeon cut the bone to shorten the toe, repaired torn ligament(s), and removed scar tissue from a 2003 neuroma surgery. I had the pin removed 4 days ago. A few days BEFORE pin removal, I was having horrible nighttime toe spasms. The spasms have pretty much stopped since the pin removal. However, I now have horrible nighttime pain which feels like BAD burning and tingling - like needles poking it. The only relief I get is to lower my foot elevation and ice it (a lot!). I'm surprised about this. I'm on antibiotics for fear that it might be an infection - but that's been five days now - and I'm wondering if I have a circulation problem - or RSD? I had a possible RSD in my other foot a few years back; but it's been debated whether that was a true RSD or reaction to a cortisone shot (and I recovered and ran marathons since then - so I have my own doubts about the RSD dx). Any ideas? Anyone else experience this?

Answer 1

foot surgery is really tough, had bunion removed, would never do it again, nothing but pain, still, 2 yrs later...I would call the doc and keep calling till you get some relief, sounds like nerve issue..good luck..I feel for you.

Answer 2

For most of what you are asking your dr. should be your best answer. I am answering because of your statement of your knee and from what you seem to have said it is still bothering you. If that is the case this should help your knee. Very often knees get some trauma to them and the tendon shortens up on them pulling the kneecap up on the knee and into it so it makes it hard to bend the knee plus the knee seems to like to lock up when it is in one position too long. It kind of digs into that resting place and then doesn't want to move. Here is how you can release that tendon: Kneecap: (Use a chair that has no cross members on it.) While sitting start with your leg out in front of you extended out to a comfortable length. Wrap your hands around it so you leave a open working area. Place your thumbs about two inches behind your knee and press into the top middle of your leg hard and hold. Relax. After 30 seconds, slowly slide that leg back until it is pulled up under the chair as far as you can make it go. Then release the pressure but hold your leg there for one minute longer. The one very important thing is keeping a good amount of pressure on your leg the whole time but especially when you are sliding the leg for that is when the tendon is getting it's length back. If a problem occurs just do it again. I recently had a gal write back that it finally went on the third try, so don't give up.

Answer 3

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BEST FRIEND 8 YEARS AGO AND IT IS RSD! She suffers so badly every single day because her doctor failed to recognize the symptoms as RSD. It is a devistating disease, and can be addressed early! Make them run the tests necessary rule out the RSD! HOT BURINGING AND TINGLING is nerve pain.

Please go back to your doctor and get things checked out. Get another opinion or eve two if they can't figure it out.

May the Creator be with you!!

Answer 4

I haven't had surgery - but do suffer extensive nerve damage.

From what you've described, either the nerves are hyper sensitive after all the procedures (which is a distinct possibility) or you need to talk to your doctor... personally, I'd talk to the doc...

I've been stuck on a bunch of pain killers... and had to give up on the narcotics (they just don't work on me).

I really think that its just the nerves being stimulated differently... but only you and your doctor can be sure...

Peace,

-dh

Answer 5

Only time will tell. Your surgery disrupted a lot of nerves. It could take time for the nerves to come back to life. Try raising your foot above your heart level. That might help.

Answer 6

hit it with a hammer

Answer 7

Didn't he give you any painkillers? I love painkillers.