Characterized by a bending of one or both joints of any but the big toe, hammertoe is a common podiatric issue. This condition causes difficulties wearing shoes, which often exacerbate the problem. If you suffer from hammertoes, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Corns between toes or on the top, side or end of the toes. Corns are a buildup of skin caused by friction at the contact point between the toe and shoe.
Calluses on the bottom of toes or on the ball of the foot. Calluses are rough, dry patches of dead skin that has built up.
Pain or irritation when the toes come into contact with the shoe.
Hammertoes and their symptoms generally worsen over time, as the friction between the foot and footwear becomes more severe. If left untreated, they can become rigid and open sores may form. If you are suffering from this condition, it is important to seek help sooner rather than later as they will not heal without treatment of some kind. Treatment options include changing footwear, padding the corns and calluses that form, trimming the corns and calluses, custom orthotic footwear or devices, anti-inflammatory medications and splinting the affected toe. Surgery is recommended in some severe cases. Contact us today to discuss your hammertoe problem and we will begin finding a viable treatment option right away.
If conservative measures aren’t relieving your pain, Dr. Michael Genkin at Elite Footcare NYNJ of Midtown and Lower Manhattan, New York, offers hammertoe surgery to provide the desired results.
Guide to Hammertoe Surgery
There are many things that can go wrong with the feet to cause pain and discomfort. One of these is a hammertoe. This is a deformity given its name because it is caused by a middle toe joint bending upward, making the toe look like a hammer.
Unfortunately, this creates issues when wearing shoes, as the top of the toe is constantly rubbing against them. It can also cause the end of the patient’s toe to smash into the ground as they walk.
In some cases, conservative measures, such as changing your shoes, using padding around the toe, or even stretching your shoes for more space can provide relief. However, that relief does not always come from such measures and corrective surgery is required.
How Does Corrective Surgery Work?
Surgery for hammertoes depends on whether the toe is considered flexible or fixed. Flexible is the term used when the toe can be straightened when examined. A fixed or stiff hammertoe cannot.
The procedure for a flexible hammertoe may include moving a tendon from the bottom of the toe to the top, which prevents that tendon from putting any additional pressure on the toe. It might also include detaching or lengthening a ligament or tendon.
If the toe is fixed, it’s because the ligaments and tendons of the joint cannot be released naturally. The procedure may involve some of the same steps as surgery for a flexible hammertoe, in addition to removing some of the bone and adding pins or fusing the joint for stability.
How Do I Know If I Need Hammertoe Surgery?
Typically, anyone who can no longer wear shoes that are comfortable with any kind of adjustment or carry out normal activities should consider surgery. However, it may not be wise if you have certain health issues, such as heart disease, infections, or circulation issues. Visiting Dr. Genkin at Elite Footcare NYNJ in Midtown and Lower Manhattan, New York, can help determine if you are a good candidate for surgery or if conservative measures are available for your needs.
Learn more about hammertoe surgery and whether it’s right for you by visiting Dr. Genkin and the team at Elite Footcare NYNJ in Midtown and Lower Manhattan, New York. Call (718) 218-4075 to schedule an appointment today.