Hammer, claw, mallet toe surgery, deciding about: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get urgent or emergency help if the toe becomes pale, blue, cold, or suddenly numb; if severe pain is rapidly worsening; or if you develop chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, collapse, or cough up blood.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if you develop increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain, a damaged dressing, or a pin that becomes loose or moves.
New calf pain or one-sided calf swelling also needs urgent assessment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine concerns, contact the surgical team during normal hours about pain medicine, dressing care, swelling, return to work, or follow-up dates.