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Podiatrist Toronto, ON Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M.
586 Eglinton Avenue E. Suite 501 Toronto, Ontario M4P1P2
Local: 416-486-9917 Toll free: (877) 456-3338

Seven Things to Know Before Hammer Toe Surgery

Seven Things to Know Before Hammer Toe Surgery

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that typically affects the second, third, and fourth toes. When left untreated, the toes can become significantly deformed and affect walking or wearing shoes comfortably.

Hammertoe surgery reconstructs the affected toes to restore a more regular form to the foot and treat pain and stiffness in the affected areas.

Before considering hammertoe surgery, here are some things you should know:

1. Do hammertoes run in the family?

Some people get hammertoes even though they have never worn tight shoes or high heels with narrow tips in their life. Hammertoes can run in the family, especially in families with flat feet or high arches, which can contribute to the formation of hammertoes.

2. Are there non-surgical hammertoe remedies?

If your hammertoe is not advanced or hereditary, some home remedies might help resolve it. One of the first options your foot specialist will recommend is a change in footwear. They will request you purchase shoes with a broader toe box, avoid high heels and try padded shoes like sports shoes.

3. How can you manage hammer toe pain?

Hammertoe pain can be managed using over the counter pain killers, whether before or after the surgery. In most cases, the stress upon the foot and the awkward alignment of the toes cause the pain. Taking a painkiller can ease the pain, but long-term treatment may be necessary to eliminate the pain.

4. Do hammertoe exercises help?

The thought of exercising your toes might sound amusing but wiggling your toes can strengthen their various muscles and help the toes realign. If your hammertoe is not severe, try simple exercises like curling your toes then spreading them, or using your toes to pick up items like a pencil or marbles, movements that can improve your foot muscle conditioning.

5. How can you prevent hammertoe from recurring?

Unless hammertoe is hereditary, it is possible to prevent it from recurring after surgery. The most effective way is to wear comfortable footwear that affords the toes ample space as you move around. If you wear high heels, tight shoes, or pointed shoes, minimize the time to prevent hammertoe recurring.

6. What is the long-term outlook for hammertoe surgery?

Hammertoe surgery generally has a positive outlook, with most people regaining full use of their feet after several weeks. For extreme cases, the results can be even more dramatic with individuals regaining mobility and flexibility that they might have lost.

Last words

Hammertoe surgery is a last resort treatment for the condition that can have a significant positive impact. However, review the questions above with your podiatrist to understand the implications of the procedure and understand whether the treatment is your best option.

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