Is It Time To Revitalize Those Curled Toes?
A hammertoe is a common condition impacting a single or multiple toes. In most cases, the middle toe on the foot bends, creating a claw-like shape, but the other toes can be impacted. Hammertoes form slowly and, if left untreated, can become painful and impact movement. The toes can become difficult to straighten without manual manipulation. Most cases are caused by ill-fitting shoes, as tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can lead to abnormal foot positions. A past foot injury, muscle weakness, or tightness can lead to hammertoes. Some cases are genetic, with these issues increasing the risk of developing a hammertoe. To move naturally and pain-free, sometimes advanced treatment, like outpatient hammertoe correction surgery, is necessary.
When hammertoes become more than a nuisance
Hammertoes can benefit from early intervention. Changing shoes, wearing shoes with a large toe box, and avoiding high heels can help. Some individuals may need orthotics or shoe inserts for additional support. There are doctor-recommended padding, straps, and tapes that can keep the toe in a more natural position. These, along with at-home physical therapy (PT) and medication, can improve and even resolve hammertoes. Severe cases may not respond to these strategies. The toe may be bent to the extent that even manual manipulation cannot help. Pain and difficulty walking often mean that advanced treatment like surgery is necessary.
Understanding hammertoe correction surgery
A podiatrist or other orthopedic specialist may recommend surgery if X-rays reveal an underlying issue. Surgery seeks to address the tendons, ligaments, or bones causing hammertoes. The surgeon may pull and lengthen the impacted tendon, which will thereby straighten the toe. Sometimes, bone spurs or other deformities can lead to hammertoes. Surgical procedures like arthrodesis can help by removing damaged joints. The nearby bones fuse into a solid piece, correcting the hammertoe. In severe cases, the joint may be removed, and the toe is straightened and pinned with metal components. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the hammertoe.
Outpatient benefits you cannot ignore
Many of these surgical strategies can be performed using outpatient procedures. The surgeon uses minimally invasive surgery (MIS), consisting of multiple small incisions of less than an inch. An arthroscope, a surgical tool with a camera and light attachment, projects the joint on an external monitor. Additional tools are used to perform the desired surgery. Outpatient surgery is beneficial as patients can leave the same day, recovering at home. The MIS produces smaller scars, less bleeding, and less postoperative pain. Some procedures can be performed at an ambulatory surgical center (ASC), which may be cheaper and more efficient than hospitals. Outpatient surgery is best for those who are in generally good health and will respond well to minimally invasive treatment.
Laying the hammer down on hammertoe
Hammertoes can develop into painful, deformed toes that impact walking. Some patients also lose confidence as the hammertoe may look unpleasant. Early intervention can improve joint function and provide comfort. If these fail, outpatient hammertoe correction surgery can help. The procedure can be done with small incisions, allowing faster healing. Depending on the procedure, like arthrodesis, several months of recovery may be required, so outpatient surgery improves this timeline. Hammertoe surgery also has high success and satisfaction rates. Consider addressing the condition quickly to walk around with comfortable, revitalized feet.
