Suffering from hammer toe? discover the treatment options that avoid surgery

Hammer toe is a common foot deformity that affects the toes, causing them to bend abnormally at the middle joint. This condition can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing shoes. While hammer toe can often be managed without surgery, there are certain cases where surgical intervention may be necessary.

When Surgery Is Considered

The decision of whether or not to undergo surgery for hammer toe depends on several factors:

• Severity of the deformity: Severe hammer toe that significantly impacts daily life may require surgery.
• Pain and discomfort: Persistent pain that does not respond to conservative treatments may indicate the need for surgery.
• Foot function: Hammer toe that affects foot function, such as walking or wearing shoes, may benefit from surgical correction.
• Other medical conditions: Certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, can increase the risk of complications from hammer toe surgery.

Surgical Options

There are several different surgical procedures that can be used to correct hammer toe:

• Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty (PIPJ arthroplasty): This procedure involves removing the damaged joint at the middle of the toe and replacing it with an artificial joint.
• Tendon transfer: This procedure involves transferring a tendon from the top of the toe to the bottom, which helps to straighten the toe.
• Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting the bone of the toe and realigning it to correct the deformity.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Before considering surgery, it is important to explore non-surgical treatment options for hammer toe. These may include:

• Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help to support the toe and reduce pressure on the joint.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve toe flexibility and strength.
• Footwear modifications: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels can help to accommodate hammer toe.
• Cortisone injections: In some cases, cortisone injections can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Recovery from Surgery

Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes several weeks. After surgery, the toe will be bandaged and elevated. Patients may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore toe function and range of motion.

Complications of Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with hammer toe surgery. These may include:

• Infection: Infection is a rare but serious complication that can occur after any surgery.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can lead to complications.
• Nerve damage: Damage to nerves during surgery can result in numbness or pain in the toe.
• Toe stiffness: Surgery can sometimes result in stiffness of the toe, which may limit its range of motion.

Seeking Professional Advice

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from hammer toe, it is important to consult with a foot and ankle specialist. They can assess the severity of your condition and recommend the best course of treatment, whether it involves surgery or non-surgical options.

What You Need to Know

1. Is surgery always necessary for hammer toe?
No, surgery is not always necessary for hammer toe. Non-surgical treatment options, such as orthotics, exercises, and footwear modifications, may be effective in managing the condition.

2. How long does it take to recover from hammer toe surgery?
Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes several weeks. Patients may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore toe function and range of motion.

3. Are there any risks associated with hammer toe surgery?
Yes, there are potential risks and complications associated with hammer toe surgery, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and toe stiffness.