Who Should Consider Hammer Toe Surgery?

Surgery to treat a toe can sound like a lot, but there are times when it's a good choice. Hammer toe surgery can make a difference in many different kinds of situations. Podiatry patients facing any of these 5 problems may want to explore this type of surgery.

Rigid Hammer Toe

Of the candidates for hammer toe surgery, folks who are dealing with rigid hammer toes are by far the ones who should consider it the most. Unless you're lucky enough that orthotics or inserts can treat the problem, surgery may be the only available option.

Depending on the nature of the issue, a doctor might insert a pin to realign the joint. This usually fuses the joint. They may also remove some of the bony material that causes part of the foot to stick out. On the upside, this is almost always an outpatient procedure.

Few Results from Physical Therapy

Practitioners often encourage patients who have at least some movement in the toe to pursue physical therapy before taking the more dramatic step of surgery. However, physical therapy is far from guaranteed to produce results. Especially if you're feeling increased stiffness or decreasing mobility after doing significant amounts of physical therapy, you might want to consider surgery.

Unhelpful Orthotics

As previously noted, shoe inserts and orthotics are common treatments for hammer toe. These often provide sufficient relief, particularly of pain, and improved walking ability. A doctor may also try taping the toe to correct muscle imbalance issues. Not everyone will benefit from these treatments, though.

Infections

Hammer toes can cause friction on the skin of the foot. In extreme cases, this friction may drive infections. Even if you've tried special shoes and inserts, there's a risk that it might not be enough to prevent the skin from breaking open from regular wear and tear. That is especially true for patients who have to be on their feet all day at jobs. Recurring infections will make a doctor think strongly about recommending hammer toe surgery.

Unbearable Pain

Particularly if the condition causes pressure or friction near a nerve, you may struggle to cope with the pain. Doctors often administer cortisone shots and prescribe pain relievers in this scenario. If pain management doesn't prove to be a solution, though, surgery might prove to be the best option. Pain can be especially difficult if a person has an extremely curled or tight toe.

For more information on hammer toe surgery, contact a professional near you.