Hammertoe Surgery – Podiatrist in Snellville, GA Dr. Mann Discusses Correction of Hammertoes
What is a hammertoe?
Toes that curl and bend (contract), and are painful in shoe gear are known as hammertoes. They typically develop due to musculature and soft tissue imbalances in your feet and toes. These are generally caused by genetics, and tight fitting shoes. This type of toe deformity can become painful because the top of the toes may rub against your shoes, or the toes may impinge against each other. Pain may also develop in the bottom of your forefoot due to increased pressure. Calluses or corns can form at pressure points. Initially these deformities can be flexible, but overtime they may become rigid if left untreated. This type of foot or toe pain is something that Podiatrists in Snellville, Georgia come across frequently.
Does hammertoe correction require toe surgery?
Podiatrists will often recommend conservative treatment first for hammertoe correction. There are both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options for treatment of hammertoes. Conservatively, your foot and ankle doctor will have you attempt shoe gear modifications. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can help ease pressure on the toes during walking. You should avoid narrow, tight, and high heeled shoes, because they do not accommodate for the bending/curling (contracted) toes, and typically will increase stress on the toes and forefoot. Your Podiatrist may also try padding or straps to alleviate the pain and reduce the deformity.
If I do need surgery, what does hammertoe surgery entail?
If conservative treatment does not provide hammertoe correction, surgery is a consideration. An experienced foot and ankle doctor will provide a thorough exam and obtain x-rays to determine the biomechanics and severity of your hammertoe deformity. There are a variety of surgical options available, and the surgery of choice depends on the type and severity of your deformity. Releasing the soft tissue contractures may only be required, but often times the bones also need to be addressed. Typically hammertoe surgery is outpatient, meaning that you will go home the same day. Pins or special implants are often required to maintain the correction, and sometimes are removed in the office 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Postoperatively, you are placed in a soft dressing with a postoperative shoe/boot. Normally, you can partial weight-bear after surgery, but may be required to be non-weight bearing if other procedures are performed. Transitioning to full weight bearing and normal shoe gear occurs over the next 2 months depending on the surgery performed, and full recovery can take up to 3 to 6 months.
If you think you have painful hammertoes check out this video for more information, and call to schedule an appointment for further evaluation at Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia (www.ankleandfootcenters.com)
Dr. Joshua Mann is a Podiatrist in Snellville, GA at the Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia. The mission of Dr. Mann and the Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia is to provide the highest level of podiatric foot and ankle care to every patient who enters their practice.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about hammertoes or any other foot or toe pain, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Josh Mann for further evaluation. Please call our Snellville, Georgia office at 678-889-1728. Also, you can click HERE to make an appointment online now!
