The treatment differs based on the stiffness of the bent toe. Smaller toes such as the 4th or 5th that can be straightened by hand often can be treated by simple tendon release. This is the easiest hammertoe surgery to recovery from often requiring a single stitch. If more than one toe is done at a time the recovery can be slightly longer.

If the bend in the toe cannot be straightened by hand, removal of the rigid joint is performed. At Geller Podiatry we employ a detailed step-wise approach to straighten all parts of the toe. The more deformed the toe, the more steps will be used from simply fusing the toe joint straight to breaking the metatarsal head and repositioning the entire toe. Tight skin has to be lengthened using plastic surgery techniques so that the toe can stay straight and the scar is more cosmetic. In general these procedures require protection from walking using a cast boot. X-rays are used to follow the toe healing process and you will be returned to shoes when your doctor sees evidence of bone healing.

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Hammertoes
Hammertoes
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Hammertoes develop when the toes buckle under the pressure of walking on an unstable foot. When your foot pronates too much, the muscles work harder to support your arch. If your foot remains unstable the toes bend as muscles fight to prevent the arch collapsing while you walk. Left untreated the toes will stay curled leading to corns, calluses, and pain.

Early treatment is important. At Desert Foot Surgeons we perform a detailed examination including video gait analysis to identify the reason for the unstable arch. If you do not correct the true cause of the problem it will only return. Foot orthotics are used to stabilize the arch and prevent hammertoes in the early stages. Once the toes stay bent treatment involves changing the shoes that push on the painful toe or surgically straightening the toe.

Dr. Stephen Geller, AZ Podiatrist