Post-Surgery Toe Stiffness and Color Changes: What Could Be Wrong?

The toe post-surgery tissue is very stiff and lacks color?

Hello Doctor, I had debridement surgery on my left little toe over a month ago, where the nail bed was cleaned and surrounding tissue was sutured.
The surface of the wound appears to have healed, but the flesh of the toe feels very stiff and lacks color.
Additionally, there is a hard lump inside the flesh at the tip of the toe that causes severe pain when touched lightly, making me feel very uncomfortable and restless.
Walking is also quite painful.
There are some areas that look uninjured on the surface, yet they are very painful internally, with the pain location being similar to the sutured area.
I have been consistently taking medication and applying topical treatments, and both bacterial cultures and blood tests have shown normal results with no signs of infection.
I would like to ask the doctor what this issue might be.
Could it be that the suturing has caused the tissue to not heal properly, or could there be other possibilities? Thank you, Doctor.

Azu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/03

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Wounds on the toes are inherently difficult to heal and may not restore normal physiological function easily, requiring patience.
However, if there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult the original treating physician for a follow-up.

Reply Date: 2024/07/03

More Info

Post-surgery complications, particularly after a procedure like debridement of the toe, can manifest in various ways, including stiffness, color changes, and pain. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the stiffness in your toe could be a result of several things. After surgery, especially one involving the removal of tissue and suturing, it is common for the surrounding muscles and tendons to become stiff due to reduced mobility during the healing process. This stiffness can also be exacerbated by swelling or inflammation, which may occur even if the surface of the wound appears healed. Gentle range-of-motion exercises, as recommended by your healthcare provider, can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness over time.

The color changes you are observing, particularly the lack of blood color or a pale appearance, could indicate a few possibilities. One potential cause is reduced blood flow to the area, which can occur post-surgery due to swelling or scarring. If the blood vessels are compressed or if there is significant scar tissue formation, it can lead to decreased circulation, resulting in a pale appearance. Another possibility is that the area is still healing, and the color change is part of the normal healing process. However, if the color remains significantly abnormal or worsens, it is essential to consult your physician.

The presence of hard lumps within the tissue, especially if they are painful to touch, could suggest several issues. One possibility is the formation of scar tissue, which can sometimes become dense and fibrous, leading to discomfort. This is known as fibrosis and can occur after any surgical procedure. Another consideration is the possibility of neuroma formation, where nerve tissue becomes entrapped or irritated, leading to localized pain. Given that you have reported pain that is similar to the area of the sutures, it is possible that the sutures themselves could be causing irritation or that there is an underlying issue with the healing of the tissue.

Since you have mentioned that cultures and blood tests have returned normal, it is reassuring that there is no active infection. However, persistent pain and discomfort warrant further investigation. It is crucial to follow up with your surgeon or a specialist who can assess the healing process and determine if there are any complications such as excessive scar tissue, nerve entrapment, or other issues that may require intervention.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing could be due to a combination of stiffness from immobility, potential circulation issues, scar tissue formation, or nerve-related pain. It is essential to maintain communication with your healthcare provider and report any changes in symptoms, as they can provide tailored advice and treatment options based on your specific situation. Physical therapy may also be beneficial in improving mobility and reducing stiffness, so discussing this option with your doctor could be a good step forward.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Bumps and Indentations After Bunion Surgery

I would like to ask the doctor, it has been over two months post-surgery, and I have consistently noticed a depression or protrusion at the surgical site, which seems to be at the osteotomy location. Pressing on it or wearing shoes causes pain and a foreign body sensation. Additi...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, there are various surgical methods for hallux valgus. There may be some protrusions, possibly from plates or osteotomy sites. Please discuss this with your attending physician. If the condition is severe, it can be readjusted. Thank you.

Post-Surgery Recovery: Understanding Swelling and Pain After Toe Surgery

After undergoing minimally invasive surgery for a fracture of the little toe and having the metal pin removed about 8-10 days ago, I am experiencing recurrent swelling and pain. I would like to ask the doctor if this is a normal situation. 1. Typically, after slight activity du...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
Hello, rehabilitation after a fracture surgery should be monitored with X-rays for accurate assessment. It is recommended that you consult the surgeon who performed your operation for more precise guidance.

Post-Surgery Pain and Concerns After Fifth Toe Surgery: What to Expect

Hello, Doctor. I had surgery on my right foot for hallux valgus on January 10th of this year, and then I had surgery on my left foot on July 11th. My question is, why do I still feel some tingling and cramping pain in my right foot nearly nine months post-surgery? I only had two ...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
Hello, after toe bone correction surgery, it is common to experience joint stiffness as well as tingling and sharp pain. This condition can improve with increased movement of the toe joints and by soaking in warm water or applying heat once the bones have healed. Wishing you a sp...

Post-Surgery Nerve Issues: Understanding Toe Mobility After Sacral Fracture

In early April, I was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a fracture of my sacrum, nearly leaving me paralyzed. I underwent surgery where screws and plates were inserted into my sacrum. After the surgery, I noticed that I could not lift my left toes and they became...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Your description cannot be directly answered. You should first consult the original surgeon. Alternatively, bring your pre-operative and post-operative X-rays, MRIs, and other examination data to consult with another spine specialist. Wishing you the best.