Hammer Toe Treatment and Surgery at Suburban Foot & Ankle Center
What is Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is a condition in which the toe is misshapen, which makes it look like a hammer. It is most often seen on your second, third, or fourth toes, and may cause you discomfort, pain, and walking problems.
Causes of Hammer Toe
- Poorly-Fitting Shoes: A small or high-heeled shoe may cause the toe to bend.
- Foot Structure: High or low arches of foot can raise the likelihood of this.
- Trauma or Injury: Before the development of hammer toe, toes, which had been previously injured, may hurt.
- Health Conditions: Diseases such as arthritis or diabetes will have a higher chance of this condition.
Hammer Toe Treatment Options
The severity of the issue is the major factor that treatment for hammer toe depends on. In the early stages of the process, before surgery is needed, quick action can sometimes be enough.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hammer Toe
- Footwear Adjustments: Choose shoes that provide a wider toe box and do not press against the toe.
- Padding & Cushions: A toe pad or a cushion can help to reduce abrasion and pressure.
- Orthotics: The foot is supported and the pressure on the toes is eased by insoles, which are specially made according to the individual requirements of each patient.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises for toes, which help to increase the flexibility of the muscles as well as the strength of the toes.
When is Hammer Toe Surgery Necessary?
In the worst cases, the surgery of hammer toe is suggested only if the other non-invasive treatments are unable to bring any relief. The surgical procedure may include the following reasons:
- The toe has become so rigid that it has to be operated on.
- The pain has become extremely persistent and the toe interferes with the daily life of the patient.
- If the previous treatments fail, surgery may have to do some relief finally.
Types of Hammer Toe Surgery
- Tendon Release: This is done by cutting the tendon to straighten the toe.
- Joint Fusion: The joint is fused in a way to fix it in position so that there is no more movement, thus no more pain.
- Bone Reshaping: After removing or reshaping the bone, a surgical intervention can correct the deformity. We offer a discussion with our experts for surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hammer Toe Treatment
What causes hammer toes to develop?
Hammer toe is mostly the result of badly fitted shoes, like high heels, or shoes that are small and pointed. Or maybe the problem is with your feet.
Can hammer toe be reversed without surgery?
In some minor cases, your doctor might decide to just wear the right shoes and implement a couple of non-surgical treatments like toe exercises or custom orthotics.
How long does recovery take after hammer toe surgery?
The length of time required for a patient to be fully cured and able to engage in activities will very much depend on the type of surgery performed.
Are there any risks involved with hammer toe surgery?
Just like with any other surgery, there is a certain degree of risk that comes with the anesthesia given during the operation. The risk is that there might be an infection or some complications after the surgery.
How do I know if I need hammer toe surgery?
If you continue to feel pain or have problems with walking, it may be time to consider the surgery if the non-surgical treatments are not working. Our doctor can check your condition and then decide which is the best solution for you.