Little toe surgery: procedures and risks • hello healthy

Definition

What are the problems that can appear on the little toe?

The three main problems that can occur are deformity, pain in the joints of the toes, and metatarsalgia (pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot). Foot deformities are caused by tendons that move the toes too tightly or imbalance. When wearing shoes, the toes rub against the other fingers, causing pressure and pain. Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis can damage the toe joints and cause the joint to shift out of position.

What are the benefits of this operation?

Your toes will become straighter so that your feet won't hurt when walking in your shoes.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having little finger surgery?

Pads that are placed between the toes can help reduce pain. In addition, using soft-based shoes from a quality shoe store is actually quite effective in dealing with this problem. But if not, immediately contact the orthotics hospital for recommendations on special insoles or shoes.

Process

What should I do before having little finger surgery?

In the preparation stage for surgery, make sure you tell your doctor about your health condition, any medications you are taking, or any allergies you have. The anesthetist will explain the anesthesia procedure and give further instructions. Make sure you follow all the doctor's instructions including the prohibition of eating and drinking before surgery. In general, you are required to fast for six hours before the surgery is performed. However, you may be allowed to drink beverages such as coffee a few hours before the surgery.

How is the little finger surgery process?

Various anesthetic techniques may be used in the operation process. Surgical treatment includes attempts to release or lengthen the tendon, place the joint back in place, straighten and cut and realign the patient's toe bones.

What should I do after having little finger surgery?

After surgery, you will be allowed to go home the same day or the next day. In the first postoperative week, try to keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling. It usually takes about six weeks or more for the swelling to heal sufficiently and you can put your shoes back on. Exercise has been shown to speed up the recovery process. But before you decide to exercise, ask your doctor first.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Every surgical procedure has its own risks. The surgeon will explain all kinds of risks that may occur post-surgery. Common complications that can occur after surgery are the after-effects of anesthesia, excessive bleeding, or blood clots in deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

For little toe surgery, complications that can occur are:

nerve damage

damage to blood vessels

problems during bone healing

toes are immovable

severe pain, stiffness, and paralysis (complex regional pain syndrome)

pain in the ball of your foot

the abnormalities in the fingers reappeared

You can reduce your risk of complications by following your doctor's directions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.