Foot health is important for everyone, regardless of your age or activity level. One common issue is hammertoe, which can affect your everyday life. Hammertoe can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to walk. Leaving hammertoe untreated can also cause other complications. By learning about this condition, you will be better prepared to recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care.
Let’s discuss what hammertoe is and how specialized hammertoe surgeons can help.
What is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is the abnormal bending of toes. Instead of pointing straight ahead, the toe curls downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can cause discomfort and make wearing shoes or walking properly difficult.
Symptoms of Hammertoe
Recognizing the symptoms of hammertoe early can help prevent further complications:
- Pain or irritation in the affected toe
- Corns or calluses on the top or end of the toe
- A bent, hammer-like appearance
- Difficulty moving the toe
Why Does Hammertoe Happen?
Several factors can lead to hammertoe, such as:
Genetics
If family members have it, you might too. Genetic factors can play a key role in the development of hammertoe. If your parents or grandparents had this condition, you might be more likely to develop it as well.
Poorly Fitted Shoes
Tight shoes or high heels can force your toes into awkward positions. Shoes that are too tight or have a narrow toe box can put pressure on the toes, causing them to bend abnormally.
High heels, in particular, push the foot forward. This crowds the toes and increases the risk of hammertoe.
Injury
Physical injuries, like stubbing or breaking your toe, can damage the muscles and tendons and lead to hammertoe.
Arthritis
Joint inflammation can cause toes to bend abnormally. Arthritis can weaken the joints and surrounding tissues, making it easier for hammertoe to occur.
The Role of Specialized Hammertoe Surgeons
Knowing what hammertoe surgeons do can guide you in choosing the best care for your feet.
Expertise in Foot and Ankle Conditions
Specialized hammertoe surgeons are highly trained in treating foot and ankle problems. They know a lot about different foot problems, such as hammertoe, bunions, and plantar fasciitis.
This deep understanding helps them accurately diagnose issues. It also allows them to provide the best treatments.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every case of hammertoe is unique, and specialized surgeons tailor their approach to each patient.
They consider factors such as:
- the severity of the deformity
- the patient’s overall health
- their lifestyle needs.
By creating personalized treatment plans, these surgeons ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Specialized surgeons utilize advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the deformity. This may include X-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging technologies.
These tools provide detailed images of the bones and soft tissues. They aid the surgeon in developing a precise treatment strategy.
Non-Surgical Treatments
In many cases, specialized hammertoe surgeons will explore non-surgical treatment options first. They may recommend:
Footwear Changes
They can advise you to switch to more comfortable, supportive shoes. Right footwear allows room for the toes to move naturally.
Orthotic Devices
Custom-made inserts can correct toe alignment, provide cushioning, and ease pain.
Exercises
Specialized exercises can stretch and strengthen the tissues in the feet. Improving the strength and flexibility of muscles and tendons increases functionality.
Medications
Over-the-counter or prescription medications help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Surgical Expertise
If non-surgical treatments have not worked, hammertoe surgeons have the skills and experience to perform effective surgical interventions.
Some common surgical options for hammertoe include tendon transfer. This procedure involves moving tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top. Another option is joint reconstruction or replacement, which utilizes synthetic parts to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Finally, fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently joins the bones in the toe to maintain a straight position and prevent further bending.
These surgeons perform these procedures with precision, aiming to relieve pain and correct the deformity.
Post-Surgical Care and Rehabilitation
Recovery from hammertoe surgery requires careful post-surgical care and rehabilitation. Specialized surgeons guide patients through this process. They give detailed instructions on wound care, pain management, and physical therapy exercises.
This comprehensive approach helps ensure a successful recovery and long-term improvement in foot health.
Finding the Best Hammertoe Surgeons
To find the best hammertoe surgeons, start by asking your primary doctor. You can also research online reviews and ratings of local specialists.
Look for surgeons with extensive experience treating hammertoe. Check if their patients have provided positive feedback. Review their credentials and make sure they are board-certified in foot and ankle surgery.
It is also helpful to book consultations with a few surgeons to see who you feel most comfortable with. See who takes the time to listen to your concerns and explain your treatment options clearly.
Trusted Hammertoe Surgeons in Warwick & Middletown, RI, and Dartmouth, MA
If you are searching for trusted hammertoe surgeons, look no further than the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England. Our board-certified doctors are experienced in the most advanced techniques for treating foot problems. Our foot and ankle doctors will determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific podiatry issue and provide you with everything you need for a successful outcome.
To schedule a consultation, call the office nearest you or submit an appointment request form. We look forward to being your partner in better foot health and fitness!
