When Should You Consider Hammertoe Surgery?
A hammertoe bends at a joint in one of the smaller toes. It may rub against a shoe or press against the ground, causing soreness, corns or calluses. The appearance of a bent toe alone does not determine whether an operation is needed.
Begin with the problem the toe is causing
Consider whether pain limits walking, work or comfortable footwear. The examination assesses the toe, pressure areas, joint movement and the alignment of the rest of the foot. A bunion or another forefoot problem may contribute.
Footwear with more room, protective padding or selected exercises can reduce pressure and discomfort. These measures may help symptoms even when they do not permanently straighten a rigid toe.
Match the procedure to the deformity
A flexible toe that can be straightened by hand differs from a stiff toe. Tendon or soft-tissue procedures, bone correction and joint fusion are among the approaches considered for different problems.
Some patients have more than one deformity. Treating only the visible bend may not address an unstable joint or an associated alignment problem. Dr. Miller explains which structures the proposed operation is intended to address.
Discuss benefits, risks and recovery
The goals include reducing painful pressure and improving alignment. Risks can include wound problems, infection, stiffness, persistent pain, recurrence or a bone that does not heal as expected.
Ask whether you will need a special shoe, a boot, a pin or other fixation, and what limits will apply to walking and work. The appropriate technique and recovery plan are more important than a claim that one operation is the newest.
A hammertoe bends at a joint in one of the smaller toes. It may rub against a shoe or press against the ground, causing soreness, corns or calluses. The appearance of a bent toe alone does not determine whether an operation is needed.
Begin with the problem the toe is causing
Consider whether pain limits walking, work or comfortable footwear. The examination assesses the toe, pressure areas, joint movement and the alignment of the rest of the foot. A bunion or another forefoot problem may contribute.
Footwear with more room, protective padding or selected exercises can reduce pressure and discomfort. These measures may help symptoms even when they do not permanently straighten a rigid toe.
Match the procedure to the deformity
A flexible toe that can be straightened by hand differs from a stiff toe. Tendon or soft-tissue procedures, bone correction and joint fusion are among the approaches considered for different problems.
Some patients have more than one deformity. Treating only the visible bend may not address an unstable joint or an associated alignment problem. Dr. Miller explains which structures the proposed operation is intended to address.
Discuss benefits, risks and recovery
The goals include reducing painful pressure and improving alignment. Risks can include wound problems, infection, stiffness, persistent pain, recurrence or a bone that does not heal as expected.
Ask whether you will need a special shoe, a boot, a pin or other fixation, and what limits will apply to walking and work. The appropriate technique and recovery plan are more important than a claim that one operation is the newest.