Hammertoes/Claw Toes

[phemsworth]

I had an injury in which a very heavy object fell and crushed my fourth toe on the left foot. It was an open fracture with deep wounds and had extensive comminution or crushing of the middle bone. I had a surgical debridement and the insertion of a K-wire, which is still in there 5 weeks after the surgery. I had the accident and surgery in the UK on a trip. My US surgeon providing aftercare has told me the following: I got the right care in London, my toe will never be "normal" again, there was extensive damage to the middle bone, that I may have to get a pin surgically inserted into the toe to keep it straight and to prevent hammertoes or some other deformity. He is associated with a very highly regarded orthepedic sports practice which does many surgeries, but he doesn't talk much. He answers my questions but doesn't provide much information and I am not only suffering from the annoyance and inconvenience of hobbling around in a boot (5 weeks now) but worse, I am suffering from anxiety about what will happen to the toe: i.e. how long will it take to heal, will it really heal?, how long before I know if I need more surgery, will this effect my health and mobility into my later years (I am a 57 year old woman), can I wear HIGH HEELS again??? Everything is a giant question mark and I am suffering emotionally more than anything. Can anyone provide me with some information? Thanks.