HAMMERTOE TREATMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS IN JACKSON, WY
Hammertoe treatment may be required to address a toe that has become permanently locked in a bent-downward position. This condition, which is usually caused by arthritic changes or tight footwear, can be painful due to constant rubbing and irritation of the bent toe. At Teton Orthopaedics, hammertoe treatment is provided by an experienced and fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon who emphasizes highly personalized care. With exceptional skills and a compassionate bedside manner, our foot and ankle specialist has earned the trust and respect of both patients and peers in Jackson, Wyoming, and beyond.
In most cases, the pain associated with a hammertoe can be alleviated with non-surgical treatment of a muscle imbalance around the affected toe joint. For instance, depending on the level of discomfort a patient is experiencing, the foot and ankle specialist at Teton Orthopaedics in Jackson, WY, might suggest anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, a series of cortisone injections, “buddy taping,” or custom shoe inserts. In general, we recommend surgical hammertoe treatment only for severe or debilitating pain that does not respond sufficiently to conservative treatment.
When surgical hammertoe treatment is required, the goal is to realign the affected toe into its proper position to relieve pain and improve function. Depending on a patient’s specific needs, our foot and ankle surgeon can perform the following types of surgical hammertoe treatment:
- Tendon transfer – If a hammertoe is flexible, the tendon beneath the toe can be rerouted to a new path along the top of the toe to help pull the joint into a straightened position.
- Joint resection – If a hammertoe is inflexible, part of the affected toe joint can be removed to create the space necessary to straighten the toe.
- Joint fusion – If a hammertoe is inflexible, the affected toe joint can be completely removed, after which the toe can be realigned; pins, screws, or implants may be used to hold the toe straight and allow the ends of the bones to heal together.
Following any type of hammertoe treatment, including surgery, it is essential to take steps to prevent the problem from coming back. While some risk factors, such as genetics and arthritis, cannot be controlled, others can. For instance, the most important preventive measure is to always wear roomy, low-heeled shoes that do not create pressure on the toes.
If you’d like to discuss hammertoe treatment with the foot and ankle specialist at Teton Orthopaedics, contact us to schedule an appointment at our clinic in Jackson, WY.