Hammer toe often leads to serious complications that reduce movements and thus Frustration. But it doesn’t have to be a rule that governs the entirety of your existence. Try to picture yourself after you resolve all your hammer toe problems and have full freedom to do your favorite things. The medical doctors at our practice undertake a thorough analysis of your needs and timelessly apply expert surgical procedures to create a perfect plan for your feet.
Contact us for an appointment, call our customer service number today at (732)-320-9173. Hammer toes should not be left to worsen, and at our clinic, our specialists will assist you by regaining the strength of your toes.
What is Hammer Toe?
This is a condition that affects the second, third, or fourth toes where the toe bones are bent downwards. At the middle joint of the affected toe, there is an unnatural bend towards the upper side giving the appearance of a hammer. This deformity can cause the patient much pain and discomfort, as the toe will remain curled in the middle with its fastigium and cannot flex any further. As time goes by, pressure and friction against the shoes bring ignoble outcomes that make the situation worse and even result in corns, calluses, and sores.
Types of Hammer Toe
Hammer toe can be classified into two main types, each presenting unique challenges and treatment approaches:
- Flexible Hammer Toe: This is the initial stage of the hammer toe, where the affected toe can still move at the joint. It is considered less severe since the toe remains somewhat flexible. Treatments for flexible hammer toe are often non-surgical and may include wearing more appropriate footwear, using orthotic devices to support the toe, and performing specific exercises to strengthen the toe muscles and improve alignment. Early intervention is crucial for a flexible hammer toe to prevent progression to a more rigid state.
- Rigid Hammer Toe: The final or most severe stage of Hammertoe is where the toe is rigid, and its mobility is restricted due to the stiffening and contraction of tendons and ligaments within the joint area. This leads to a permanent change of posture that equally elicits extreme pain which hinders the performance of daily activities. Most of the hammer toe condition is usually treated surgically because nonoperative measures may not help treat rigid hammer toe. The objective of the surgical procedures is to undo the contracting effect of the tendon and ligament, correct the deformity of the toe, and properly articulate the same again.
Causes of Hammer Toe
Hammer toe can result from a variety of factors, each contributing to the abnormal bending of the toe:
- Improper Footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too short, or which are high-heeled tend to squeeze toes and keep them deformed all the time. The complexity of the process is the continuous pressure that is exerted on the muscles and tendons that makes them contract and results in hammer toe. High heels even translate the entire weight of the body on the toes making it even more cumbersome for the patients.
- Trauma: Sprains or fractures to the toe may cause the bones to align abnormally and therefore cause malformations. You may have read or heard people say that the most serious effects of an accident are not necessarily those that result in pronounced forms of disability but those that cause changes because of improper handling of injuries.
- Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop hammer toe due to the structure of their feet. If your parents or siblings have hammer toe, you may be at a higher risk of developing it as well.
- Arthritis: Some diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are some conditions that cause inflammation of the joint and subsequent joint contracture of a hammertoe. The consistent inflammation results in the breakdown of the supporting frames leading to the deformity of the toe.
- Muscle Imbalances: Any kind of muscle and tendon directly related to the foot may cause some deformity in this member including bending of the toe. Deformities like flat and high-arched feet can lead to biomechanical abnormalities and prevent the toes from undergoing correct positioning.
Symptoms of Hammer Toe
Common symptoms of hammer toe include:
- Visible Deformity: The affected toe will be flat in the middle with the base of the joint in a hammer-like shape. This visible change tends to be the first symptom that most patients pick on as it is located in areas easily seen.
- Pain and Discomfort: It is characterized by pain while wearing shoes or pain when walking and might be a result of the toe being squeezed against the shoe. This can make it quite overwhelming when looking for good shoes to wear.
- Corns and Calluses: These grow in the realization on the head of the toe or the attraction of the foot Inferentially as a coming of abrasive contact with shoes. Corn and calluses are hardened skin due to pressure and friction which develop to form thick guard layers.
- Swelling and Redness: The toe may develop keratosis, that is, there may be thickening of the cuticle at the level of the flexor surface of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the toe.
- Restricted Movement: It is a serious condition, and, in some cases, the toe gets locked, it cannot move, and cannot be bent or flexed. This restriction can impede their walking and balance.
Risk Factors for Hammer Toe
Several factors can increase the risk of developing hammer toe:
- Age: Unfortunately, the threat of turning an ankle rises with age since the muscles and tendons in the feet also get weaker and less pliable. Another factor associated with hammer toe is the changes in the structure of the foot that might be attributed to the aging process.
- Gender: Hammer toe is common in women, and this is because of high heels and shoes that are tight in the middle part and have narrow toe space.
- Foot Structure: Abnormalities in the structure of the feet such as high arches, flat feet, and other deformities can also lead to hammer toe. With such conditions, the pressure of the foot is distributed unevenly, and deformities result from these conditions.
- Chronic Conditions: Hypertension, arthritis, obesity, and diabetes mellitus are some of the medical conditions that make an individual susceptible to a foot deformity. Both types of conditions can influence blood circulation and nerve function in the feet which are related to the hammer toe condition.
Surgical Treatment for Hammer Toe at New Jersey Foot Surgeons
When non-surgical treatments such as wearing orthotic devices, exercises, or anti-inflammatory medications do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be necessary. At our clinic, we offer several surgical options to correct hammer toe:
- Arthroplasty: This procedure involves removing a small section of the bone from the affected joint to straighten the toe. It is often used for flexible hammer toe. Arthroplasty aims to create more space in the joint, allowing the toe to straighten and move more freely. Recovery typically involves wearing a special shoe to protect the toe and allow for proper healing.
- Arthrodesis: This technique involves fusing the bones of the affected joint to straighten the toe. It is commonly used for rigid hammer toe. By permanently joining the bones, arthrodesis eliminates the abnormal bend and stabilizes the toe. This procedure is usually reserved for severe cases where other surgical methods may not be effective.
- Tendon Transfer: In this procedure, the tendons straying over the bottom of the toe are rearranged to point towards the top of the toe to straighten it. Tendon transfer assists in counteracting the procedures that push the toe into abduction, keeping it aligned. This technique is most beneficial for the toes still with some flexibility but cannot be managed by basic procedures.
- Joint Resection: In a joint, a small portion of the bone is cut away, and metallic pins are placed to maintain the straight position of the toe during the healing process. So, by removing the articular surfaces that do not heal satisfactorily, and using the remaining bone for reconstructive purposes, this procedure can effectively correct severe deformities. They are left for a few weeks before being pulled off when the toe becomes stable.
- Digital Malleable Splinting: A more conservative procedure comprising of a splint that is placed on the toe to enable reshaping by the soft tissues. This process is mostly applied together with other surgical operations to help in the retaining of the correct alignment of the toe as the surgery heals.
Preparing for Surgery
Before undergoing hammer toe surgery, our team will conduct a thorough evaluation, including:
- Medical History Review: About any chronic conditions that have to do with surgery or postoperative care because they impact the general well-being of patients. This implies the use of any medications and possible allergies before making any decisions regarding the matter.
- Physical Examination: It involves observation of the affected toe, x-rays, or any other structure of the foot. This event assists in evaluating the kind of surgery the patient should undergo and whether they have other complications that should be intervened as well.
- Imaging Tests: Consultative tests such as X-rays or CT scans to ascertain the degree of deformity and how to treat it. These images offer significant vision of the bone and joint graphics which can assist with surgical planning.
Why Choose New Jersey Foot Surgeons?
At our clinic, we pride ourselves on offering:
- Expertise: Our surgeons have extensive experience in treating foot deformities and performing hammer toe surgeries. Their skill and knowledge ensure high-quality care and successful outcomes.
- Personalized Care: We provide tailored treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. Every case is different, and we take the time to develop a customized approach that addresses your specific condition.
- Advanced Techniques: Utilizing the latest surgical techniques and technology to ensure the best outcomes. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements allows us to offer the most effective treatments available.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to post-surgical care, we support you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to making your treatment experience as smooth and successful as possible.
Conclusion
Hammer toes can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective surgical treatment is available. Our skilled team is committed to providing the highest standard of care to help you achieve relief from pain and restore the function of your toes. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call our office at (732)-320-9173. Your journey to pain-free walking starts here at New Jersey Foot Surgeons.
