Not what you're looking for? CLICK HERE INSTEAD
The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM
pin removal from left hammertoe area, four months after surgery
by Theresa
(Colorado Springs)
I need to have pin removed after bunion -hammertoe surgery. It hurts when I walk and is trying to poke through the bottom of my foot. I had the surgery because of pain in the ball of my foot. I am a nurse... need to work for ten more years or so. Like to hike, like to walk. Surgery was four months ago. I have been in tennis shoes since December and back to work since December. Shooting pain started shortly after I returned to work. I am turning my foot all the time to the left to prevent putting pressure on the area where the pin is hurting. My doctor is finally going to get the pin out next week. Hope I can start walking normally again as I am gunshy about putting weight on the surgical part of the left foot. I want to start jogging this summer. I am 56 years old and very active. My main question is just... am I going to feel better eventually? So far, my foot is worse than before the surgery. To make matters worse I found out that my surgeon recently sued my employer for something so I am in the midst of changing doctors because he no longer does surgery at my hospital. Fortunately his partner has agreed to take the pin out. I am not making this up!
RESPONSE
Hi Theresa,
This is fairly straight forward, other than the part about your podiatrist suing the hospital you work in.
Anyway, if a piece of hardware is protruding through the
Removing a pin, although it does require surgery should be nowhere as involved as was the original surgery and your recuperation should be a lot quicker.
The only real issue is that your doctor has to decide is the surgical site is stable enough to remove the hardware. I do not know what kind of procedure you had done, but at sixteen weeks, with no history of complications, the hardware should be able to be removed safely.
You state that the surgical area is more painful now than it was before surgery. Is that all because of the hardware or are you having other issues?
In general foot surgery, where bone is cut and fixated can take upwards of a year to fully "mend" itself. It does not mean that you have to wait a year to return to an active life style; it just means you have to accept some limitations.
I tell my patients that even though they may not feel great, as long as they are noticing improvement on a week to week basis, then they are doing fine, as every one heals at a different rate.
If you are not seeing some improvement on a week to week basis then you need to have a conversation with your surgeon (or his partner) to make sure there are no other issues to deal with.
Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
University of Rochester Medical Center
American Academy of Pediatrics
Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation
Recent Articles
-
Vitamin D impact on health
Feb 06, 23 07:17 PM
Researchers are suggesting that the effectiveness of Vitamin D in fighting and preventing disease is predicated on a persons body mass index (BMI). The thinner the person the greater the positive impa… -
Foods to speed up healing
Feb 01, 23 02:41 PM
One of the best ways to help yourself heal faster after surgery is to eat well. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. Here is a suggestio… -
Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes
Jan 25, 23 04:52 PM
An article revealing that older type 2 diabetics have a higher incidence of cancer then non-diabetics. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. -
Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain?
Jan 22, 23 01:41 PM
A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. -
shin splints
Jan 18, 23 05:12 PM
A great review on the various causes of shin splints, along with treatment options. -
Whats new in skin cancer?
Jan 15, 23 08:32 PM
A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. -
Causes and risk factors of warts
Jan 14, 23 05:02 PM
A good review of the causes of warts and protective measures you can take to prevent developing them. -
Do chronic wounds need to be dressed daily?
Jan 11, 23 02:18 PM
Because of supply chain shortages as well as staffing shortages particularly during the pandemic, many institutions extended the time between dressing changes for chronic wounds. Is this really the be… -
Food choices that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes
Jan 08, 23 10:07 AM
A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. Certain food groups have a tendency to raise your blood sugars and should be avoided. -
Outcome stats from Scarf bunionectomy
Jan 03, 23 03:04 PM
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery recently reported a meta analysis of outcomes in 1583 Scarf bunionectomies that met their inclusion criteria. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors…