Is Hammertoe Surgery Worth It?
Posted December 20, 2024 in Hammertoes
In severe cases, hammertoe surgery is the best option for helping patients regain mobility and improve chronic pain. However, not every patient is ready for surgery despite continued discomfort. This blog discusses which symptoms are severe enough to warrant surgery, what hammertoe surgery can do for patients, as well as hammertoe surgery’s pros and cons.
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How to Tell If You Have Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a condition that occurs when the tendons, ligaments, and muscles that typically keep the toes straight when relaxed become imbalanced. This causes the second, third, fourth, or fifth toe(s) to become curled and resistant to straightening. Because of the appearance of the toes, hammertoe is sometimes called mallet toe or claw toe. When left untreated, this deformity can cause a loss of flexibility and mobility, as well as increased pain.
Some signs of hammertoe include:
- One or more toes bend upward at the toe’s first joint (the PIP joint)
- Blisters or calluses form where the toe(s) rub against your shoes
- Pain at the base of the toe joint
What Causes Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is caused by the deterioration of the toe joints or muscles. Common causes include:
- Wearing high heels or pointed shoes which put too much pressure on the toes and cause the muscles to weaken
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that deteriorate the toe joints
- Chronic nerve damage
When Is Hammertoe Surgery Necessary/Recommended?
Although most patients prefer to avoid surgery at all costs, in some cases, it’s the best way to treat hammertoe. If you have hammertoe but aren’t sure if you’re ready for hammertoe surgery, the following signs may mean it’s time.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is persistent and can become an issue that affects your quality of life. Some people with chronic pain have milder symptoms, yet it’s an ever-present aspect of their life—this is still chronic pain. Leaving it to progress will only worsen your condition and can even take its toll on your mental and emotional well-being. If your hammertoe is causing daily pain, you may need to consider surgery.
Severe Deformity
Conditions like hammertoe start off mild, with barely noticeable deformity in the shape of the toe(s), but it does progressively worsen. A severe deformity can make wearing certain shoes difficult, if not impossible, and can cause some patients to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their feet.
Reduced Mobility
When hammertoe is left untreated, it will eventually affect mobility. In addition to pain and discomfort, it is difficult to bend the affected toe(s). Eventually, those affected by hammertoe may have difficulty pushing off properly with each step, affecting their gait and balance.
Hammertoe Surgery Results and Benefits
Although conservative methods are generally the first step, in the above severe cases, hammertoe surgery provides the most comprehensive results. Benefits of hammertoe surgery include:
- Post-recovery pain relief
- Higher rate of success
- More complete pain relief than non-surgical treatment
After the recovery period, the affected toes will be straighter, with better function and flexibility. With proper rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and ligaments, patients will regain mobility, with improved pain and less discomfort when walking.
Pros and Cons of Hammertoe Surgery
Not every patient wants or needs hammertoe surgery, and most podiatrists will begin treatment with conservative methods such as specialized orthotics, physical therapy, or splints. But if non-surgical hammertoe treatments are ineffective, you may need surgery. The pros and cons of hammertoe surgery are as follows.
Pros of hammertoe surgery
- Up to 90% success rate depending on the type of surgery and severity of concerns
- More complete pain relief
- Reduced risk of hammertoe returning
- Long-lasting results
Cons of hammertoe surgery
- Normal surgical risks such as bleeding and infection
- Use of anesthesia
- Dealing with recovery
- Small chance of hammertoe recurrence
Want to Learn More About Hammertoe Surgery in NYC?
The best way to determine if hammertoe surgery is ideal for you is to schedule a consultation with our experienced NYC podiatrist, Dr. Ethan Ciment. Call Chelsea Foot & Ankle today at (646) 929-4149 or fill out our contact form to get started.