A hammertoe is a common foot deformity that accounts for about 20% of podiatry visits. It occurs when changes in your toe joints and ligaments prevent one or more toes from lying flat, causing them to remain bent.
Hammertoes range in severity. We often treat milder cases conservatively with physical therapy and custom orthotics. However, in more severe cases, the affected joint can lock in a bent position, requiring surgery.
At South Denver Podiatry in Littleton, Colorado, our team of experienced podiatrists specializes in hammertoe surgery. Read on to discover the three most common types of hammertoe surgery and what makes each approach unique.
If you have a painful hammertoe that affects your mobility and quality of life, foot surgery is worth considering. Three different procedures can treat hammertoes. Depending on your needs, we could recommend:
We often use tendon transfer surgery to treat flexible hammertoe, meaning your toe joint still moves and doesn’t lock in place. Transfer surgery involves rerouting a tendon from beneath your toe to a new path along its top. This gently and gradually applies pressure to your affected toe joint, helping your toe lie flat.
We may recommend joint resection surgery if your hammertoe is severely deformed and causes intense pain that interferes with daily activities. During this procedure, we remove part of your damaged toe joint, reducing inflammation and allowing it to lie flat. This helps realign your toe and restores its natural position.
We often use joint fusion surgery to treat rigid hammertoe, a condition that causes an affected toe joint to become permanently bent. If your toe joint can no longer wiggle, it can be painful and prevent you from comfortably wearing shoes.
During this procedure, we trim damaged cartilage from inside your joint, cut the surrounding tendons and ligaments, and remove bone fragments, letting your toe lie flat. Once your toe is in the proper position, we use pins, rods, and screws to hold your toe bones in place. Over time, this fusion reduces pain and allows you to walk more comfortably. This surgery reduces your joint’s mobility, but can be beneficial in certain cases.
The type of hammertoe surgery that’s right for you will depend on the type of hammertoe you have (e.g., rigid or flexible) and the severity of your symptoms. After discussing your symptoms and completing a podiatry exam and diagnostic imaging, we can make personalized recommendations.
If you have a hammertoe that keeps you from exercising and other activities, contact us. Call our office in Littleton, Colorado, or book an appointment online.
