How long does it take to recover from hallux rigidus surgery?

Complete healing can take up to three months. Joint fusion: You wear a cast or boot for three to six weeks. Then you need crutches for two to six weeks. You may have some swelling and stiffness for a few months after the procedure.

How do you loosen a stiff big toe?

Great toe flexion stretch

  1. Sit in a chair, and put your affected foot across your other knee.
  2. Grasp your heel with one hand and then slowly push your big toe down with your other hand.
  3. Hold the stretch for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Can you walk after hallux rigidus surgery?

Cartiva: You may walk on the foot immediately after surgery, in the post-op shoe provided for you. You must leave the dressings on for two weeks, but are encouraged to move the great toe after the surgery.

Is big toe surgery painful?

In the first few days after surgery, you’ll likely have some throbbing pain. You’ll be prescribed pain medication to make you comfortable. Swelling is also common, but you can usually manage it by keeping your foot elevated whenever possible during the first week or so after surgery.

Is walking good for hallux rigidus?

Walking, provided it is not too painful to do and can be done with proper alignment, also assists with improving the toe range of motion. Walking uphill is particularly helpful for the big toe joint range of motion but for many patients this is too painful and cannot be done for a while until the joint pain settles.

How do I get my range of motion back in my big toe?

6. Big-toe stretch

  1. Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor.
  2. Pick one foot up and place it on your opposite thigh.
  3. Gently use your fingers to stretch your big toe up, down, and to the side away from the other toes.
  4. Repeat 10 times in each direction.
  5. Repeat with the opposite foot.

Can you drive after hallux rigidus surgery?

Conclusion: Most patients may be informed that they can safely return to driving 8 weeks after right metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus correction. Some patients may be eligible to return to driving sooner depending on their VAS, first MTP ROM, and driver readiness survey results.