When Is Surgery Necessary for Hammertoe?
If you’ve had to give up wearing your favorite pair of shoes due to pain or self-consciousness about your toes, you might ask yourself whether surgery is in your future. Hammertoe surgery isn’t usually the first or only way to treat hammertoe. Still, it is a highly successful procedure that can correct the deformity and relieve pain when other methods have been ineffective. Keep reading to know whether you need hammertoe surgery.
What is a hammertoe?
Hammertoe is characterized by an abnormal bending or curling of one or more toes, causing them to resemble a hammer. It can cause pain and irritation and make walking uncomfortable as the toe rubs against the shoe. Hammertoe can be caused by wearing too-tight or/and too narrow shoes and high heels. You can also develop a hammertoe due to arthritis, diabetes, bunions, or genetics.
Non-surgical methods to correct hammertoe
This abnormal bending of the toes is certainly common, especially for women. Hammertoe surgery shouldn’t be the first option for hammer toe treatment. Some non-surgical methods may help reduce or eliminate your pain, including:
- Careful choice of shoes– Wearing shoes with a wide and deep toe box (front of the shoe where your toes rest) can help prevent corns and calluses. These are common for people with a hammertoe. Some people find shoes made with mesh or sandals more comfortable.
- Toe strengthening exercises- If your toes are flexible, they’re less painful. Some toe exercises like toe crunch can strengthen your small muscles to maintain flexibility.
- Utilize wearable devices- Splints, toe wraps, and toe socks are great wearable devices that can be worn while sleeping or sitting for long periods.
When surgery for hammertoe is your best option?
You should consider hammertoe correction surgery if your affected toes become stiff and painful and limit your shoe wearing capability or your day to day activities. The number one reason why individuals end up having hammertoe surgery is pain. Hammer toes that are flexible and don’t cause pain are considered mild to moderate. Surgery is done for severe deformities that are fixed and immobile and cause pain.
Surgery may be considered if-
- Non-surgical methods are no longer effective
- There is a persistent pain
- You have difficulty walking or performing activities
- Sores or ulcers are developing due to hammertoes
- Hammertoe deformity is worsening over time.
Your podiatrist in Dubai will help determine the severity of your hammertoe and will develop a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate pain. Hammertoe correction surgery may be the best option when the non-surgical methods have been exhausted.
Thankfully, recent advancements in the procedure make it more effective over the long term, plus the recovery time is generally minimal. Hammertoe surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and you can walk after the surgery using a protective boot.
Any pain experienced after surgery is typically due to swelling and can be controlled by medication and by keeping the foot elevated.
Surgery may be considered if-
- Non-surgical methods are no longer effective
- There is a persistent pain
- You have difficulty walking or performing activities
- Sores or ulcers are developing due to hammertoes
- Hammertoe deformity is worsening over time.
Your podiatrist in Dubai will help determine the severity of your hammertoe and will develop a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate pain. Hammertoe correction surgery may be the best option when the non-surgical methods have been exhausted.
Thankfully, recent advancements in the procedure make it more effective over the long term, plus the recovery time is generally minimal. Hammertoe surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and you can walk after the surgery using a protective boot.
Any pain experienced after surgery is typically due to swelling and can be controlled by medication and by keeping the foot elevated.
What are the different types of surgery options for hammertoe?
There are a variety of hammertoe correction surgeries, and they are almost always performed on an outpatient basis.
These include-
- Tendon transfer involves rerouting tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top to correct the imbalance and help it straighten.
- Joint arthroplasty is the most common hammertoe correction surgery and is often combined with tendon lengthening. The end of the bone is removed, and pins are placed temporarily to keep the toe straight.
- Joint fusion is a procedure similar to arthroplasty, except that both ends of the bones at the fixed joint are cut and then held with a pin, allowing them to fuse as they heal.
Sometimes, hammertoe implants are used in hammertoe surgery, which helps straighten and stabilize the affected tie joint, restoring proper alignment.
Contact Dr KP Meda today and get relief from hammertoe pain
If you’re suffering from a painful hammertoe or have questions about your surgical options, contact Dr KP Meda, a specialist podiatrist in Dubai. As the leading British Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon in Dubai, Dr KP Meda has helped countless patients overcome hammertoe pain and return to their active lifestyles free from any pain and discomfort. Contact us today.
