Is There a Way to Avoid Hammertoe Surgery?

If you've been diagnosed with hammertoe, you may be wondering if there are any alternatives to surgery. The good news is that there are several nonsurgical options that you can try first. 

At Precision Foot and Ankle Center, podiatrist Dr. Angela Jacob recommends surgery for hammertoe when it is clear that it is the best and most appropriate option.

In many cases, however, nonsurgical approaches can help manage hammertoe. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at hammertoe and explore some nonsurgical approaches, as well as surgical advances that make hammertoe surgery more effective long-term.

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a condition that occurs when one or more of your toes become bent or misshapen, resembling a hammer. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and foot injuries.

Quite often hammertoes become stiff and painful to a point of limiting activity and impacting quality of life. It’s wise to talk to a podiatrist about treatment options when you have one or more hammertoes causing you discomfort. 

Nonsurgical hammertoe management

Before considering surgery, Dr. Jacob can recommend nonsurgical hammertoe management to relieve pain and discomfort. Here are some effective options:

Footwear adjustments

One of the primary causes of hammertoe is wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow. Switching to shoes with a roomier toe box can help alleviate the pressure on your toes and prevent the condition from getting worse.

Toe exercises

Certain exercises, like toe stretches and toe curls, can help strengthen the muscles in your toes and reduce the severity of hammertoe.

Custom orthotics

Inserts that are customized to fit your feet can provide additional support and help relieve pressure on your toes.

Padding and taping

Using padding or tape to cushion the affected toe can help reduce pain and discomfort.

These options can relieve pain and stiffness in the affected toe so that you can walk and move without significant discomfort. 

When to consider surgery

If nonsurgical options are ineffective in relieving your hammertoe symptoms, or if the condition is severe, Dr. Jacob may recommend surgery. However, there have been advancements in hammertoe surgery. 

Dr. Jacob specializes in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, and some minimally invasive techniques can be performed in-office to correct your hammertoe. These less invasive approaches have advantages over traditional approaches. 

Traditional hammertoe surgery involves large incisions and lengthy recovery times. However, advances in medical technology have led to the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques that offer faster recovery times and less scarring.

One such technique involves making a small incision near the affected toe and using specialized instruments to correct the deformity. This approach allows for more precise correction of the toe and avoids the need for larger incisions.

Another minimally invasive option is the use of an internal implant. This involves inserting a small implant into the toe to straighten it from the inside out. This technique has the advantage of avoiding external incisions altogether and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.

Preventing hammertoe

The best way to avoid hammertoe is to take preventative measures. Here are some steps you can take:

• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and have a roomy toe box.
• Avoid wearing high heels for extended periods of time.
• Stretch your toes and feet regularly to maintain flexibility.
• Wear custom orthotics or shoe inserts to provide additional support.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your feet.

When treatment is needed, Dr. Jacob can discuss the various treatment options after a thorough evaluation. 

Hammertoe can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but surgery isn't always necessary. By exploring nonsurgical options, you can alleviate the symptoms of hammertoe and potentially avoid surgery altogether. 

However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain. Talk to Dr. Jacob to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. To schedule an evaluation and discuss treatment with Dr. Jacob, give us a call or book online today.