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Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint Fusion: What to Expect at Home

Before and after metatarsal phalangeal joint fusion, showing a painful and swollen toe joint before surgery and showing a plate and screws on the fused joint of the big toe after surgery

Your Recovery

You had surgery on your foot to remove the joint at the base of your toe. After your surgery, your foot may be red and swollen. Pain and swelling should slowly improve over the next 6 weeks. You may have some minor pain and swelling that lasts as long as 6 months to a year.

After surgery, you may need to wear a special type of shoe or boot. It will help protect your foot and keep your bones in the right position. Your doctor will remove your stitches about 2 weeks after the surgery.

Follow your doctor's instructions for putting weight on your foot. And follow any other special directions your doctor gives you.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

Rest when you feel tired.
You may shower, unless your doctor tells you not to. Keep the bandage dry. If the bandage has been removed, you can wash the area with warm water and soap. Pat the area dry.
Many people are able to return to work within several weeks after surgery.
Allow your foot to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better.
You may need to do regular rehabilitation (rehab) exercises to strengthen your foot and improve movement. Start out slowly, and follow your doctor's instructions.

Diet

You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fibre, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

Incision care

You will have a dressing over the cut (incision). A dressing helps the incision heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this.
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Don't swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Ice and elevation

Put ice or a cold pack on your foot for 10 to 20 minutes at time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
Prop up your foot and leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

You passed out (lost consciousness).
You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
You have severe trouble breathing.

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

Your foot or toes are cool or pale or change colour.
You have numbness, tingling, or less feeling in your foot or toe.
You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
You have symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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