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.
Key Takeaways
- A deformity where the middle joint of the toe bends unnaturally, leading to pain, restricted movement, and discomfort.
- Flexible hammer toe occurs in the early stage with some mobility, while rigid hammer toe involves severe stiffness and limited joint movement.
- Contributing factors include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, trauma, genetic predisposition, arthritis, and muscle imbalances.
- Visible deformity, pain, corns, calluses, swelling, redness, and restricted movement are common signs.
- Options like arthroplasty, arthrodesis, tendon transfer, joint resection, and digital splinting provide effective solutions for severe cases.
- Skilled surgeons, personalized treatment plans, advanced techniques, and comprehensive post-surgical support ensure the best outcomes.
For expert hammer toe treatment, call New Jersey Foot Surgeons at (732)-320-9173 today.
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
- Flexible hammer toe occurs in the initial stage when the toe retains some mobility. Early treatment can prevent progression and often involves non-surgical measures like better footwear, orthotics, and exercises.
- Rigid hammer toe is the severe stage where the toe loses mobility due to stiffened tendons and ligaments. Surgical correction is usually necessary to relieve pain, restore function, and correct deformity.
Causes of Hammer Toe
- Wearing tight, short, or high-heeled shoes exerts continuous pressure, leading to muscle and tendon contraction and toe deformity.
- Trauma such as sprains or fractures may cause improper bone alignment and deformities.
- Genetics increases susceptibility to hammer toe if a family history of foot deformities exists.
- Arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, leads to joint inflammation, breakdown, and deformity.
- Muscle imbalances, often due to flat or high-arched feet, result in abnormal toe positioning and bending.
Symptoms of Hammer Toe
- Visible deformity appears as a bent toe with a hammer-like shape at the middle joint.
- Pain and discomfort occur during walking or wearing shoes due to toe compression.
- Corns and calluses develop from constant friction and pressure with footwear.
- Swelling and redness often accompany thickened skin on the flexor surface of the toe joint.
- Restricted movement may lead to a locked toe, impairing walking and balance.
Risk Factors for Hammer Toe
- Age weakens muscles and tendons in the feet, increasing susceptibility to deformities.
- Women face higher risks due to wearing high heels and tight shoes.
- Abnormal foot structures, such as high arches or flat feet, unevenly distribute pressure, leading to deformities.
- Chronic conditions, including hypertension, obesity, arthritis, and diabetes, affect circulation and nerve function, increasing the risk.
Surgical Treatment for Hammer Toe at New Jersey Foot Surgeons
When non-surgical treatments like orthotics, exercises, or anti-inflammatory medications fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. At New Jersey Foot Surgeons, we offer various surgical options to correct hammer toe:
Arthroplasty is a procedure where a small section of bone is removed from the affected joint to straighten the toe. Typically used for flexible hammer toe, it creates more space in the joint, allowing the toe to straighten and move more freely. Recovery generally involves wearing a special shoe to protect the toe during healing.
Arthrodesis involves fusing the bones of the affected joint to straighten the toe. This procedure is commonly used for rigid hammer toe. It permanently joins the bones, eliminating the abnormal bend and stabilizing the toe. Arthrodesis is often reserved for severe cases where other methods may not be effective.
Tendon Transfer involves rearranging tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top, helping to straighten the toe. This technique is beneficial for toes that still retain some flexibility but are beyond correction by non-surgical methods.
Joint Resection removes a small portion of the bone from the affected joint and places metallic pins to maintain the toe’s straight position during healing. This procedure is effective for severe deformities, and the pins are removed once the toe is stable.
Digital Malleable Splinting is a more conservative option, where a splint is placed on the toe to help reshape it through soft tissue. Often combined with other surgical procedures, it helps maintain correct alignment during the healing process.
Preparing for Surgery
Before undergoing hammer toe surgery, our team will conduct a thorough evaluation, including the following:
- 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 each patient’s unique needs. 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.
- 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.
