When Is Surgery Recommended for Hammertoe Correction?

Are you dealing with deformed toes that cause persistent pain and difficulty walking? While many hammertoe cases can be managed with conservative treatments, like custom orthotics, surgery may be recommended when the condition becomes severe or doesn't respond to nonsurgical options. 

 At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, our team helps patients understand when hammertoe surgery is necessary and what treatment options are available. If you want to know what causes hammertoe or need a surgical correction, call today to schedule a consultation. 

What causes hammertoe? 

Hammertoe develops when there's an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement. This imbalance makes the toe bend at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like shape. 

Several factors contribute to this condition. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially ones that are too narrow or have high heels, forces the toes into unnatural positions over time. Genetic predisposition and underlying foot abnormalities, like flat feet or high arches, can also play a role. 

Certain medical conditions increase the risk as well. Arthritis, nerve damage, and other structural issues weaken the muscles and tendons, making hammertoe more likely to develop. 

How to recognize hammertoe symptoms 

Common symptoms of hammertoe include pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or walking. The toe may feel stiff, making it hard to straighten or flex. 

As the condition progresses, corns or calluses may develop on the top of the toe or on the ball of the foot due to friction and pressure from shoes. In more advanced cases, the toe becomes increasingly rigid, making movement challenging and potentially leading to complications, such as open sores or ulcers. 

If you're experiencing difficulty walking or notice deformed toes that are only worsening, seeking medical attention early can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications in Parker, CO. 

Ways to relieve hammertoe symptoms 

Treatment starts with a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the condition. In the early stages, conservative methods are recommended first. These may include custom orthotics to support the foot and relieve pressure, changes to footwear to accommodate the toe and reduce friction, padding or splinting to help straighten the toe, medications to manage pain, and callus and corn trimming to remove buildup caused by friction. 

These nonsurgical approaches work well for flexible hammertoes, where the toe can be straightened manually. However, if the toe becomes rigid or if conservative treatments don't provide relief, surgery may be necessary. 

When hammertoe surgery may be recommended 

Hammertoe surgery is recommended when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, you're experiencing severe pain that makes difficulty walking even worse, or complications like open sores or ulcers have developed. 

Surgery aims to correct the deformity by realigning the toe, removing or repositioning bone, and balancing the muscles and tendons. The specific method depends on the severity of the hammertoe. 

Recovery from hammertoe surgery involves wearing a special shoe or boot for several weeks, keeping weight off the foot initially, and gradually returning to normal activities. Most patients get significant improvement in pain and function after surgery. 

Get the care you need 

Do you have questions such as, "What causes hammertoe?" or "Do I need hammertoe surgery?" Our team provides personalized treatment options, including custom orthotics and surgical correction when necessary. 

Whether you're dealing with deformed toes or difficulty walking, Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO is here to help. Call today for a consultation.