“How long before you can walk after hammertoe surgery?”
I am a 30 year old male. I want to know how long before you can walk after hammertoe surgery?
8 Answers
In my office, my patients walk in the same day.
James Lawton
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
You should be able to walk in a surgical shoe when you feel comfortable to do so, pending your surgeon's protocols for your recovery.
You should be able to walk after hammertoe surgery immediately as long as you wear a surgical shoe. If you have a pin, the pins are usually removed 4 to 6 weeks depending on where they are placed, and again, you can still walk with a surgical shoe for that time period.
The toe is basically broken, which is to say that it is cut so that a straightening can be obtained, but the cut is the same as a break. So you would have to let it heal before walking on it, and depending on your healing rate - anything from 5 to 8 weeks postsurgery.
Immediately in a post op shoe!
Anthony M. Caristo
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Hammertoe surgery can involve different procedures, which will determine when you can walk. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) to determine the diagnosis and cause of the problem and the appropriate treatment options
The answer to this question really is a decision made by your surgeon. But in my practice, no matter what type of surgery you have, you are looking at 2-3 weeks of rest and elevation of the surgical foot. However, my patients can walk immediately in the surgical shoe or boot provided after surgery. But for the first 2-3 weeks, walking is limited to transferring from your bed to the bathroom or the couch or the kitchen (for short periods of time no more than 15-20 minutes). After the sutures come out (in my practice that is in 2.5-3 weeks after surgery), the patient goes back into normal shoes. Some doctors, however, use wires that protrude out of the toes after surgery. You may be looking at 5-6 weeks of non weight bearing if this is the case. Again, the answer to this question is dependent on your surgeon and what type of fixation and surgery they use.
Usually, you can walk immediately after hammertoe surgery, BUT, until the skin incision and the bone heals, you will need to possibly use a surgical shoe and or crutches. Be sure to ask your podiatrist to fully explain the procedure and the expected Recovery. Thank you.
