Hammertoe surgery is usually an operative procedure aimed at correcting deformities in the toes that cause discomfort and hinder mobility. This condition is caused by the abnormal bending of the middle joint in one of the toes, creating a hammer-like shape.
What Is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a condition in the foot, which is a toe deformity wherein the bending of the middle joint of the toe causes immense pain, swelling, and inability to walk. A foot doctor in Houston can help diagnose and understand what caused it. Hammertoe foot disorders can be a result of a genetic characteristic, wearing of improper footwear, arthritis, or injuries. When not treated on time, it causes more discomfort and can even result in possible complications.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is the best remedy when all non-invasive treatments fail to treat the foot condition. Hammertoe surgery in Houston will help to relieve the associated symptoms. Hammertoe surgery is done when the toe is stiff, severely painful, and disables the person from undertaking regular activities.
Types of Hammertoe Surgery
Depending on the degree of deformity, there are various surgical solutions for managing hammertoes. Those include:
- Tendon Release or Transfer: In mildly affected toes, release or repositioning of tendons can be performed to correct toe alignment.
- Joint Resection: The surgical procedure involves the removal of a part of the bone in the joint for proper alignment of the foot.
- Fusion Surgery: Such severely affected toes are fused to become straight, permanently correcting the foot deformity.
Benefits of Hammertoe Surgery
- Pain Relief: Relief from pain is the greatest advantage of hammertoe surgery since the chronic pain experienced by patients with this deformity can be totally removed by correcting it surgically.
- Restoration of Foot Function: Hammertoe surgery restores the normal functioning of the foot so that most patients who may have had great difficulties in walking and running comfortably shall not have such issues again.
- Enhanced Foot Appearance: Hammertoe surgery helps improve the foot’s appearance, making the foot feel and look more aesthetically pleasing.
- Wider Options on Wearing Footwear: The patient can wear various types of footwear, including those that were not wearable due to hammertoe discomfort or were impossible to wear previously.
- Reduced Complications: With the improvements in technology and surgical techniques, complications associated with the surgery of hammertoe have become much lesser and have given effective treatment, resulting in getting rid of pain and discomfort.
Preparing for Hammertoe Surgery
Surgical success is partially based on proper preparation. Before surgery:
- Talk to your doctor about any medical history and current medications.
- Get someone to stay with you during the recovery period.
- Follow pre-surgical instructions, such as diet or activity restrictions.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
Post-surgical intervention, recovery from hammertoe surgery generally takes a few weeks to months, depending on the individual and the surgical treatment done. Recovery aspects include:
- Rest and Elevation: The foot should be elevated to reduce swelling. Rest is essential for a quick recovery.
- Medication: Over-the-counter or prescribed drugs can be used to manage pain.
- Physical Therapy: Some exercises can help regain movement and strengthen the toe.
Patients should take good care and follow the surgeon’s prescriptions and instructions for the best recovery.
Conclusion
Surgery is definitely the best way to treat severe deformities of the toes. Hammertoe surgery may seem intimidating, but due to the advancement in surgical technique, safety and success can be ensured. This surgery not only helps get rid of the discomfort but also brings a person more confidence in moving around; it alleviates pain and allows individuals to have a better and healthier life.
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Ryan Thorne 