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.
