How Hammertoe Surgery Can Improve Foot Function and Mobility

If you have a hammertoe, you already know how painful and debilitating this common condition can be. Hammertoe surgery can improve foot function and mobility to get back on your feet. Dr. Mark Robson and Dr. David Liou at Austin Podiatry in Austin, TX, provide comprehensive foot and ankle services, including hammertoe surgery.

What You Need To Know About Hammertoe Surgery

A hammertoe is a deformity in the joint of your toe, causing your toe to bend outward. The shape of your toe can resemble a hammer. Hammertoes can develop due to an imbalance of the muscles or tendons in your toe. Your risk of developing a hammertoe increases when wearing narrow or pointed shoes.

For mild, occasional hammertoe pain, non-surgical treatment methods may be recommended. These include:

• Wearing wedges, cushions, or pads inside your shoes to reduce friction
• Stretching your toes individually with your fingers to maintain flexibility
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Custom footwear and orthotics to correct a tendon or muscle imbalance
• Splints and other devices to realign your toes and foot
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling in the toe joint
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling

If you have moderate to severe hammertoe pain that is affecting your ability to walk, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to realign your toe and foot. The goal of hammertoe surgery is to improve foot function and mobility.

During hammertoe surgery, your podiatrist may remove a piece of bone from the toe joint or release the attached tendons to allow for repositioning and realigning your toe. Hammertoe surgery is typically performed outpatient, so you go home the same day.

After hammertoe surgery, you may need to wear a shoe or boot to aid walking. You must elevate your foot for the first few days after surgery. Recovery may take several weeks, and you may not be able to drive a car for several weeks if the surgery was done on your right foot.

Want To Know More About Hammertoe Surgery?

Call Dr. Mark Robson and Dr. David Liou at Austin Podiatry in Austin, TX to learn more about hammertoe surgery and how it can improve foot function and mobility. You can reach them in the office by calling (512) 448-3668, so call today.