What is a Hammertoe?

A Hammertoe is a common deformity we see in our office. Patient commonly presents with a toe that is contracted and rubbing on shoe gear. A hammertoe is a contracture of a toe joint.
Shoe gear often is the big rate limiting step for why someone comes to our office. If someone is having difficulty fitting into their shoe, they often think that means they need surgery. There are many alternatives to surgery and we reserve the need for surgery as a last resort.

How do we treat Hammertoes?

Treating a hammertoe really depends on how much pain you have. If you have no pain ....you should not have surgery. If you have pain but can adjust your shoes and have no pain, then you do not need surgery. Surgery is really only indicated if you have pain that is not getting better with wider shoes and what we call paliative care. Wearing toe spacers and toe covers and stil having pain may mean it is time for you to consider surgery. Below we have a link to a crest pad, which when worn correctly and decrease the amount of rubbing on the top of a toe and decrease pain. Also using simple gel toe covers can prevent pain and decrease the need for surgery.

What is the surgery for a Hammertoe and what is the aftercare?

There are many different surgical options for a hammertoe depending on the deformity of the toe. Many times the surgeon will have to cut bones in the toe either to realign them with a pin or special screw. The post operative period can be painful and all patients are encouraged to elevate and ice as much as possible after surgery. In our practice, we tell patients that they will be in a funny shoe, a surgical shoe, from about 4 to upwards of 8 weeks. Sometimes a little longer depending on their inflammatory reaction. The sutures are left in for about 2 weeks and in that time period they are not allow to get the foot wet and must leave their post operative dressing on at all times.