Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
Could acupuncture help ease the swelling, numbness, and tingling after foot surgery on hammertoes?
A: Acupuncture is used often as a post surgical recovery support. It can function as a localized anesthetic to relieve the pain and can also speed up the surgical healing. Also, topical herbal remedies and internal formulation can help with your post-surgical recovery.
In any surgery, the body suffers trauma and has to readjust. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can help. I suggest you contact a licensed acupuncturist to discuss the treatment options. You can find one at: www.acupuncture.com