Hammertoe Surgery

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Admin

Hammertoe is a condition where the smaller toes of the foot becomes bent and prominent. Usually the phalanges of the toe are straight, however if the inter-phalange joint becomes bent, it makes the toe prominent. At the initial stage of deformity the bone is flexible and can be treated and straightened.

There are various reasons for an individual to develop a hammertoe condition, but the most commonly know reasons are the shoe and they way in which the foot functions when walking. Individuals who have other conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid are more likely to develop hammertoe.

It is more common in women since they wear tight footwear which elevates the heel. Such footwear increased pressure on the bones and leads to deformity. As per a study performed by a group of podiatrists, it is revealed that 95% of the people who suffer from hammertoe were in the
wrong shoe size.

The common symptoms of a Hammertoe conditions are:

• Deformity of the toe

• Pain and swelling around the joints

• Difficulty in walking

• The joints of the toe becomes rigid

• Develops corns or callus

To ease pain, one can follow the following few steps:

• Avoid high heels and wear good footwear which fits

• Use a protective pad over the toe to straighten it

• Meet a podiatrist

If the toes are deformed, they place a lot of pressure in the ball of your foot making it difficult to walk. The only effective way to cure a hammer toe is via a surgery.

Hammertoe Surgery

There are various kinds of hammertoe surgery, however the most common ones are:

• Tendon Transfer

• Digital arthroplasty

• Digital arthrodesis

In a Tendon transfer, the tendon is taken from under the toe and placed on top of the toe to pull the toe back to its normal position. This can leave the toe swollen and rigid.
In the other two types of surgery the bone from the toe where it is bent is removed to bring the correct form of toe. In arthroplasty a part of the joint is removed to bring the correct shape of the toe and in arthrodesis the entire toe joint is removed.

Hammertoe condition is best treated at its initial stage. Once the surgery is performed it would take up to twelve months for it to heal. Good care of the feet should be taken to avoid any post surgery complication.

A veteran of 25 years, Dr. Brown is a renowned Michigan podiatrist specializing in foot surgery, and the treatment of many conditions related to foot and ankle pain such as Hammertoe Surgery.

Consult Today with Podiatrist Dr. Brown on your Hammertoe 586-758-5770

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