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Hammertoes & Hammertoe Surgery

hammertoe condition
Hammertoe is a condition that affects any one of the middle three toes. In this condition, the affected toe bends upwards from its joint, looking like a hammer. Hammertoes usually occur due to muscle imbalances. If the muscle gets too weak, the tendons in the toe have to bear the additional pressure. This can result in deformed joints. Sometimes, those with hammertoe can also develop corns or calluses.
Hammertoes are generally caused by prolonged usage of pointy, tight or heel shoes, diabetes-related complications or muscle imbalances due to spinal cord injuries.
runner's ankles with sports injury

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How Podiatrists Treat Hammertoe:

  • Depending on your case history, we at University Foot Associates first analyze and prepare a comprehensive healing plan. We then stick to this and help to heal your condition as soon as possible.
  • Generally, podiatrists suggest wearing roomier and more comfortable shoes or using pads or over-the-counter splints. When this does not solve the issue, the next option recommended by doctors is a single, outpatient surgery that straightens the toe joint.
  • Based on your condition, there are various surgery possibilities-

Tendon Transfer

  •  Here, the tendons are rerouted from the bottom to the top of the toe for straightening purposes.

Joint resection

  • Here, the end of the bone at the joint is removed and pins are placed temporarily to keep the toe straight.

Fusion

  • The most common surgical procedure for hammertoes, here, both ends of the bones are cut at the fixed joint. A pin or K-wire is temporarily used to keep the toe straight. Once done, the pin is removed. A newer technique used currently is when a rod or screw is permanently inserted.

Risk Factors for Hammertoe:

  • Generally, people who have unusually long toes, have hurt their toes many times, or those patients who have rheumatoid arthritis are at risk to develop hammertoe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do you treat a hammertoe?

A: Painful symptoms can be managed with orthotics and wide shoes. Hammertoe can be improved with a simple minimally invasive procedure done in the office without the need of general anesthesia.  There is minimal downtime undergoing this procedure and minimal to no pain.

 

Q: Can you straighten hammer toes?

A: Conservative treatments for hammertoe can slow the progression of the joint deformity. To straighten the joint, an in-office procedure that is minimally invasive with minimal downtime can be performed.  

 

Q: Do hammertoes go away naturally?

A: Hammertoes are a progressive condition, meaning they will not go away by themselves. It is easier to correct the hammertoe if you catch it early. A podiatrist can assess the degree of severity and recommend a proper treatment plan.

 

Q: What does a hammer toe look like?

A: The affected toe bends and curls and multiple joints in the toe. 

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