It’s easy to brush off seemingly harmless problems, like a toe that starts to bend in the middle. However, these changes are more than a cosmetic problem if there’s an underlying issue at work. And if it’s a hammertoe, it only worsens with time.
Hammertoes develop when a muscle imbalance puts pressure on the joints and tendons of a toe. In the beginning, you can often manage this problem with conservative treatments. But, if you try to ignore it, it could leave surgery as the only answer.
Our Advanced Care Foot and Ankle team specializes in care for acute injuries and chronic problems. We want our patients in Corona and Ontario, California, to enjoy active lives without pain.
That’s why we recommend seeking treatment as early as possible when you notice a problem with your toes, feet, or ankles. If you have a hammertoe, here’s when you could require surgery and how to avoid it.
As mentioned above, this toe condition causes a telltale bend in the middle joint. It typically affects the second, third, or fourth digit on the foot.
Additional signs of hammertoe include:
In the earliest stages of the condition, the problem toe remains flexible. However, when it remains bent for too long, the muscles and joints tighten. When this occurs, you can no longer straighten the toe.
Treatments for hammertoe depend on whether the joint remains moveable.
Our team can treat hammertoe with nonsurgical methods if the joint is flexible.
Common treatments include:
When the joint no longer moves or your symptoms don’t respond to conservative treatments, surgery is typically the best option.
Our team can correct a rigid toe joint with various surgical approaches, depending on the issue. We perform these procedures on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.
After your surgery, you can usually put pressure on your foot immediately. However, you need to limit your activity during the recovery process. We also recommend elevating the site as much as possible to reduce pain and support healing.
It usually takes around six weeks to recover from hammertoe surgery. And, if it involves your right foot, it may limit your ability to drive for a few weeks.
After undergoing surgery for hammertoe, the toe may seem slightly shorter or longer than before.
To avoid surgery, our team suggests scheduling an appointment as early as possible if you think you have a hammertoe forming. This ensures you can take action before the joint becomes immovable.
Do you have a hammertoe? Contact Advanced Care Foot and Ankle by phone or online at our office nearest you today.