Hammertoe

Symptoms of a hammertoe are extremely conspicuous. Chances are if you have the condition, then you already know about it. In a way, this is a blessing as much as it is a curse. For one, it makes it much easier to identify that there is a problem and that you should go see a doctor about it. Unfortunately, the high visibility of the deformity can also be a cause for insecurity for many patients. Understand, however, that if you do have the condition, then it is very treatable. There are plenty of avenues available to you as far as treatment is concerned.

The primary symptoms of hammertoe deformities are as follows:

• Moderate to severe pain in the affected area. This symptom naturally worsens when moving the deformed digit or wearing certain types of shoes.
• Corns and calluses are common with hammertoe, as the unnatural bend in the toe results in the skin rubbing against certain areas on the inside of the shoe.
• Swelling or redness, sometimes accompanied by a distinct burning sensation.
• Loss of maneuverability in the affected joint (unless the patient has a flexible hammertoe).
• In the most extreme cases, open sores may develop on the deformed toe. If not addressed properly, these pressure wounds may become infected.

Your doctor will be able to diagnose this condition during a physical examination of the affected foot. Usually, this involves gently moving the affected digit in different directions to see if doing so causes any pain or discomfort. Of course, your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis simply by looking at the affected area. That being said, if your case is severe enough, your doctor may order x-rays to further evaluate your condition. Usually, this is done to determine if surgery will be a necessary course of action.

There are both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options available to patients depending on the severity of their condition. Generally speaking, a doctor will try to exhaust conservative options first before opting for surgery.

Aside from changes in footwear (which we have previously addressed), your doctor may prescribe several conservative options to resolve your hammertoe pain. For one, your doctor may prescribe special pads to protect any corns or calluses from further damage. In addition, your doctor may order a custom orthotic device that you can place in your shoe to moderate tendon or muscle imbalances. Lastly, if your pain is not too severe, you may find that over-the-counter NSAIDs provide temporary relief from your discomfort.

As far as surgical procedures go, your doctor will present you with a few options:

• Tendon Transfer: During this procedure, the performing surgeon transfers a tendon by pulling it across the top of the affected toe. This not only straightens out the toe in question, but it also helps to alleviate painful symptoms.
• Joint Resection: During a joint resection, your surgeon will cut certain ligaments and tendons in order to straighten out the deformed toe. In some cases, he or she may also remove a portion of the toe bone. In doing so, it may be necessary to use pins to hold the toe temporarily in place. These will be removed later.
• Fusion: Your surgeon will remove portions of the joint with the goal of fusing the remaining ends together. This straightens out the toe, and again, may require the use of surgical pins to fix the toe in position.
• Amputation: As a last resort, if all else fails, the best course of action may be to remove the toe entirely. However, this outcome is exceptionally rare.

Contact Us

If you suspect that you have a hammertoe deformity, please contact NJ Spine & Orthopedic at (855) 586-2615. Our medical staff is expertly trained to find a treatment plan that suits the specific needs of your case. We will work day and night to ensure that you are able to return to a pain-free and active lifestyle. Contact our podiatry department today and achieve relief from ankle, foot, and toe pain!