OVERVIEW
A Hammertoe is a condition where one or more of the small toes has a bend in the middle joint of the toe. There are variations of hammertoes depending on where the bend is located. A bend in the joint closest to the toenail is called a mallet toe. A bend in two joints is called a claw toe. The most common hammer toe occurs in the second toe.
CAUSE
There are many reasons why hammertoes form. A bunion can push the second toe out of alignment causing an unstable biomechanics in the second toe joint. Shoes with narrow toe boxes, high heels, and flip flops have been implicated in hammer toe formation. These shoes cause an imbalance in tendon power and a hammertoe forms. Lastly, hammertoes can develop from an injury or some neurological conditions.
SYMPTOMS
Hammertoes change the amount of pressure on the top and bottom of the foot. Over time, painful corns and calluses will form. You might find wearing certain shoes make the pain worse. Hammertoes can be flexible or rigid.
TREATMENT
There is no one-size fits all treatment for hammertoes. Dr. Collins provides a tailored treatment plan based on clients goals, lifestyle, activity level, and co-morbidities. Some treatment options include shoe modification, padding, topical creams, and shaving of painful calluses or corn. Physical therapy and stretching exercises have been show to be helpful. When conservative options are unsuccessful, surgery may be indicated.
Hammer Toe Surgery
SURGICAL CONSULTATION
During your consultation, Dr. Collins will take a comprehensive history of your condition, listen to your goals, consider your lifestyle and discuss expectations. A thorough physical examination of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity is done to identify any biomechanical hiccups that may need to be addressed in physical therapy before surgery. When indicated, studies have shown those who start physical therapy before surgery (also known as pre-hab) tend to do better after surgery. X-rays images are also an integral part of the decision making process. Dr. Collins will take x-rays and review them with you during your consultation.
PROCEDURE
Hammer toe surgery involves removing a piece of bone from the toe (arthroplasty) or fusing a tiny joint in the toe (arthrodesis). Pins or indwelling hardware may be used. Most patients can walk immediately after surgery in a special shoe, but it is a good idea to keep your foot elevated as much as possible for two weeks. If you have stitches, they will be removed 2 weeks after surgery. You can expect to start physical therapy 2 weeks after surgery
