Everything You Need to Know About Houston Hammertoe Surgery

 

If you experience discomfort from hammertoes condition, it is time to seek Houston Hammertoe treatment. Houston hammertoe surgery corrects deformity in the second, third, and fourth toes. The surgery is suggested when your podiatrist is sure that it will lessen pain and improve the flexibility of the toe muscles and after all conservative measures fail. The first suggestion is to wear roomier comfortable shoes to see if the condition will reverse.

Hammertoe surgery is an outpatient procedure used to straighten the toe stuck in a flexed position. The surgery can be performed on adults as well as children. There are several surgical techniques that your podiatrist can consider depending on the individual cases and the level of deformity.

Surgical techniques include

        I.            Fusion: It is the most common procedure where both ends of the bones at the fixed joint are cut. A pin is inserted to keep the toe straight once the ends fuse then the pin is removed.

      II.            Tendon transfer: It involves rerouting tendons from the bottom to the top to straighten the toe.

    III.            Joint resection: The end of the bone with the fixed joint is removed and pines placed to straighten the toe.

The surgery may involve more than one toe; however, it is advisable to work on one foot at a time. In some cases, a bunion can cause a hammertoe, and bunion surgery can be performed at the same time as hammertoe surgery. If the hammertoe is flexible, a less invasive procedure can be performed. The hammertoe has a risk of recurring and upon surgery, one might feel unstable on the area of the cutting of ligaments and tendons. Your podiatrist will discuss the potential risks specific to your condition.

The purpose of Houston hammertoe surgery

The hammertoe causes the toe to bend upward in the middle and could cause the end of the toe to be irritated as the toe presses against the ground and the raised part rubs against the shoe. The purpose of the surgery is to decrease pain and discomfort and straighten the toenail.

When you have an underlying medical condition contributing to the hammertoes your podiatrist might suggest dealing with that first before considering hammertoe surgery. Additionally, before the surgery conservative treatments are utilized for adequate relief. The treatments focus on the comfort of the toes to allow them to stretch.

Ø  Wear shoes with a lot of room around the toes.

Ø  Exercises that will help stretch and strengthen the toe muscles.

Ø  Use over-the-counter cushions and pads to decrease discomfort as you straighten the toes.

When the conservative methods prove ineffective and the pain is consistent a surgical technique might be recommended depending on the level of stiffness and flexibility.

The podiatrist Houston will work with a physical therapist to offer all the help you need before and after surgery. Before surgery, you will learn the different assistive devices you will use and how to use them after surgery. Exercises are done to improve the balance and strength of the one foot that will be used to move around after the surgery.

How to Choose Pediatric Foot Doctor

 

As a parent, you already know the hustle you underwent to find the best pediatrician for your child. It is the kind of care you will need to find a pediatric foot doctor. Some of the common children’s foot and ankle conditions include ailments from the ankle down, hone and joint deformities, fractures and sprains of the foot, puncture wounds, congenital deformities such as clubfoot, soft tissue, and skin problems, monitoring foot development, and growth and measuring the foot for the correct shoe size. Knowing that a children foot doctor can do all the above and much more you need to book an appointment for your child’s foot check-up.

1. The first thing when choosing your children's podiatrist getting referrals. Talk to family, friends, and even your pediatrician because they are familiar with your child. All these people will give you firsthand information on how well they know the foot doctor and their performance if they know. To ensure you are getting the best consider talking to your pediatrician.

2. Confirm the podiatrist’s credentials and if they are a member of the board. If it will make you feel any better call the doctor’s office and make inquiries on how long they have been in practice and their experiences when treating children.

3. Is your child at ease when with the pediatric foot doctor? It is normal for kids to be nervous around the doctor’s and the doctor’s office. This should not get you worried but if after getting into the doctor’s office they remain frightened and nervous then it should get you concerned. Look for a podiatrist with whom your child is comfortable around and interacts naturally with your children. The doctor should be able to speak with your child directly as a sign that they understand the child can communicate their issues.

4. Does the doctor have tools and use up-to-datepractices? Even though gadgets should not be used to define the doctor, you should ensure that they have the latest proven technologies for treatment and diagnosis. Having digital x-rays means that the doctor will review the condition the right way instead of treating symptoms without proof of the cause. The latest diagnostic equipment will ensure that the doctor will give you the latest treatment plan for your child’s foot condition.

5. A children's podiatrist should be able to explain treatment options available before even considering surgery. It means that they should understand your child’s condition and come up with a treatment plan that is expected to improve and treat.

6. How well do you like the support staff? A good doctor’s office should have excellent support staff who handle all things professionally. At your first phone call, you should feel professionally treated and welcome. Assess everything including how they greet you and welcome you to the doctor’s office and how the medical assistant helps you around you should be comfortable. The way the medical history is taken, do you feel respected and valued.