Hammer Toe Surgery: When Is It Necessary? (explained By Experts)

Hammer toe is a foot deformity that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. This can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. In some cases, hammer toe may require surgery to correct the deformity and relieve symptoms. This blog post will explore the question of whether hammer toe requires surgery, discussing the factors that influence the decision to undergo surgery and the different surgical options available.

What Causes Hammer Toe?

Hammer toe is typically caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop hammer toe due to the shape of their feet.
• Footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can put pressure on the toes and cause them to bend downward.
• Trauma: Injuries to the toes, such as stubbing them or dropping something heavy on them, can also lead to hammer toe.

Symptoms of Hammer Toe

The most common symptom of hammer toe is pain in the affected toe. This pain may be worse when walking or standing. Other symptoms may include:

• Stiffness in the toe
• Swelling
• Redness
• Calluses or corns on the toe
• Difficulty fitting into shoes

When is Surgery Necessary for Hammer Toe?

Not all cases of hammer toe require surgery. In general, surgery is only recommended if the deformity is severe and causing significant pain or discomfort. Other factors that may influence the decision to undergo surgery include:

• The age and overall health of the patient
• The severity of the deformity
• The patient’s activity level
• The patient’s expectations for surgery

Surgical Options for Hammer Toe

There are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to correct hammer toe. The type of surgery that is recommended will depend on the severity of the deformity and the patient’s individual needs. Some of the most common surgical options include:

• Soft tissue release: This procedure involves releasing the tendons and ligaments that are causing the toe to bend downward.
• Bone surgery: This procedure involves cutting and realigning the bones in the toe.
• Joint fusion: This procedure involves fusing the bones in the toe together to prevent them from bending.

Recovery from Hammer Toe Surgery

Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes several weeks. During this time, the patient will need to wear a cast or boot to protect the toe. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help the toe regain its strength and flexibility.

Risks and Complications of Hammer Toe Surgery

As with any surgery, there are some risks and complications associated with hammer toe surgery. These risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Scarring
• Recurrence of the deformity

Alternatives to Surgery for Hammer Toe

In some cases, it may be possible to treat hammer toe without surgery. Nonsurgical treatments may include:

• Wearing shoes that fit properly
• Using toe pads or splints
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Injections of corticosteroids

Information You Need to Know

Q: What are the long-term effects of hammer toe?

A: If left untreated, hammer toe can lead to a number of long-term problems, including chronic pain, difficulty walking, and an increased risk of developing other foot problems, such as bunions and corns.

Q: Is hammer toe surgery painful?

A: Hammer toe surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means that the patient will be awake during the procedure. However, the patient will not feel any pain during the surgery. After surgery, the patient may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.

Q: How long does it take to recover from hammer toe surgery?

A: Recovery from hammer toe surgery typically takes several weeks. During this time, the patient will need to wear a cast or boot to protect the toe. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help the toe regain its strength and flexibility.