Hammertoes Deformity

Where do Hammertoes Deformity come from?

Hammertoes deformity can result in pain and difficulty walking, as well as the formation of a corn or callus on top of the joint. Hammertoes get their name from the fact that the toe looks like a hammer when the joint is stuck in an upward position. Hammertoes are characterized by a rigid joint, pain at the top of the bent toe, and swelling.

These deformities can arise as a result of trauma, certain disease processes, the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, and other factors, because of the shoes they wear, women are more likely than men to suffer from hammertoes.

People with diabetes or poor circulation are more likely to develop infections and foot ulcers as a result of hammertoes. These complications may be avoided by wearing custom orthopedic shoes. People with these conditions should see a doctor as soon as they notice any foot problems. Most people believe that their feet are suffering because of their shoes, but genetics can greatly influence your chances of developing hammertoe.

If it is not treated, this condition will worsen and may affect your knees, hips, back, and neck, they can become fixed and necessarily require surgery.

If you are unable to flex your toe, the only way to regain movement is through surgery.

However, on the observations made following surgery, hammertoes do not go away on their own. Whatever caused the deformity, they may require medical treatment or surgery to correct it. Another unfortunate fact is that, while the majority of hammertoes do not recur after surgery, some do.

Some people can manage the symptoms of this condition by making lifestyle changes. If lifestyle changes do not relieve your pain, surgery may be an option for you.0

As a result, surgical correction of hammertoe deformities is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on the forefoot.

Non-surgical Treatment

Conservative treatments are usually tried first before considering surgery. These treatments are concerned with relieving pressure dorsally over the affected PIPJ, plantarly to its metatarsal head, and to the tip of the affected toe. With minor digit deformities, it is recommended that the patient begin using insoles or orthotics and shoes with a wide toe box to accommodate the deformities and relieve pain caused by digit impingement. High heel shoes are not advised due to the increased pressure transfer to the forefoot. Padding or shaving the painful calluses on a regular basis may relieve some of the patient’s discomfort, while strapping or taping the flexible deformities may improve some alignment. These modifications can be helpful in managing forefoot disorders, but none of them are permanent solutions to the deformity.

Surgical Treatment

If your hammer toe is severe and conservative treatment options have failed or will fail, surgery may be required. Some surgical treatments for hammer toe include:

• Increasing the length of the contracted tendons and joint capsule
  removing a knuckle from the joint to allow the toe to straighten
• A tendon transfer is the process of rerouting the tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top.
• Replacement of a joint
• Metal pins are used to stabilize the structure.
• Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that immobilizes a joint to allow bone growth.

For up to 4-6 weeks after surgery, you may experience stiffness, swelling, and redness in your toe. Although you will be able to put pressure on the foot right away, you should try to limit your activity while the toe heals. Elevating your foot as much as possible will aid in healing and pain relief. Your toe may be slightly longer or shorter after it has healed.

If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort with Hammertoes Deformity, consider speaking to our top-rated Podiatrist or Visit Feldman & Leavitt Foot and Ankle Specialists about the best treatment plan for your needs.

As a general rule, Foot Ulcers procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in an Alberta Health Services (AHS) approved Surgical Center or in a Hospital. Surgical procedural costs are covered by AHS or the patient may opt for private surgery to avoid a waiting time. A visit to Feldman Foot And Ankle Specialists will CLEARLY define all available patient options.