Lesser Toe Pain
Expert diagnosis and treatment for lesser toe pain at Suburban Foot & Ankle
What is Hammer Toe?
Hammer toe is a condition in which the toe is misshapen, which makes it look like a hammer. It is most often seen on your second, third, or fourth toes, and may cause you discomfort, pain, and walking problems.
Causes of Hammer Toe
- Poorly-Fitting Shoes: A small or high-heeled shoe may cause the toe to bend.
- Foot Structure: High or low arches of foot can raise the likelihood of this.
- Trauma or Injury: Previously injured toes may hurt before the development of hammer toe.
- Health Conditions: Diseases such as arthritis or diabetes will have a higher chance of this condition.
Hammer Toe Treatment Options
The severity of the issue is the major factor that treatment for hammer toe depends on. In the early stages of the process, before surgery is needed, quick action can sometimes be enough.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hammer Toe
- Footwear Adjustments: Choose shoes that provide a wider toe box and do not press against the toe.
- Padding & Cushions: A toe pad or a cushion can help to reduce abrasion and pressure.
- Orthotics: Insoles, which are specially made according to the individual requirements of each patient, support the foot and ease pressure on the toes.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises for toes, which help to increase the flexibility of the muscles as well as the strength of the toes.
When is Hammer Toe Surgery Necessary?
In the worst cases, surgery is suggested only if the other non-invasive treatments are unable to bring any relief. The surgical procedure may include the following reasons:
- The toe has become so rigid that it has to be operated on.
- The pain has become extremely persistent and the toe interferes with the daily life of the patient.
- If the previous treatments fail, surgery may have to do some relief finally.
Types of Hammer Toe Surgery
- Tendon Release: Cutting the tendon to straighten the toe.
- Joint Fusion: The joint is fused in a way to fix it in position so that there is no more movement, thus no more pain.
- Bone Reshaping: After removing or reshaping the bone, a surgical intervention can correct the deformity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hammer Toe Treatment
What causes hammer toes to develop?
Hammer toe is mostly the result of badly fitted shoes, like high heels, or shoes that are small and pointed. Or maybe the problem is with your feet.
Can hammer toe be reversed without surgery?
In early stages, non-surgical treatments such as footwear adjustments, padding, orthotics, and physical therapy can help. Surgery is considered if these do not provide relief.
How long does recovery take after hammer toe surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and individual healing, but most patients can expect several weeks to a few months for full recovery.
Are there any risks involved with hammer toe surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, nerve injury, or recurrence. Your surgeon will discuss these with you before the procedure.
How do I know if I need hammer toe surgery?
Surgery may be needed if the toe is rigid, pain is persistent, daily life is affected, or non-surgical treatments have failed.
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- Board-certified specialists
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