{"id":5088,"date":"2021-07-19T21:50:42","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T01:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foxpodiatry.com\/?p=5088"},"modified":"2021-07-19T21:59:53","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T01:59:53","slug":"when-is-surgery-necessary-for-hammertoe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foxpodiatry.com\/when-is-surgery-necessary-for-hammertoe\/","title":{"rendered":"When Is Surgery Necessary for Hammertoe?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Maybe you’ve had to give up wearing your favorite pair of shoes, or you are refraining from wearing open-toe shoes or sandals because you’re self-conscious about your toes. Regardless of whether your hammertoe has become too painful to live with or you want to correct the issue–you may be wondering if surgery is in your future.<\/p>\n\n

Hammertoe, an abnormal bending of the toes, is a common issue, especially for women, but it doesn’t always require surgery. In many cases, hammertoes can be managed by non-surgical methods such as:<\/p>\n\n

Better Shoe Selection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

If you have a hammertoe, you must wear shoes with a wide, deep toe box (front of the shoe where your toes rest). This can help prevent corns and calluses that are common for people who have a hammertoe. Some people with a hammertoe find shoes made with mesh or sandals feel more comfortable on their feet.<\/p>\n\n

Toe Strengthening Exercises<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Another thing individuals with hammertoe should do are toe exercises. These are exercises that can help strengthen your small muscles to maintain flexibility. Flexible toes are less painful, so it’s essential to do these exercises daily.<\/p>\n\n

One toe strengthening exercise to try is the Toe Crunch. This technique involves using the middle joint of your toe to pull the tip of the top to the base. You’ll want to ensure that you have a towel under your foot and are seated comfortably before starting.<\/p>\n\n

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  1. Keep your heel firmly planted on the ground and use your toes for crunching the towel up.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Continue crunching the towel until you’ve reached the end.<\/li>\n
  3. Repeat 10-12 times for best results.<\/li>\n
  4. (optional) If you would like to add resistance, place an item like a book at the end of the towel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    Utilize Wearable Devices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

    Splints, toe wraps, and toe socks are great wearable devices that can be worn while sleeping or sitting at your desk while working. They can help to alleviate pain and make wearing shoes more comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

    When to Consider Surgery<\/strong> For Hammertoes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

    So how do you know when surgery is the best option to correct a hammertoe? Typically, you should consider surgery if your affected toes become stiff, painful, or limit your activity. Your doctor will advise you on this, but these are good indicators this may be your best form of treatment. The most common reason individuals end up having surgery on their hammertoe is pain. Hammertoes that are flexible and don’t cause pain are considered mild to moderate. Surgery is typically done when there is a severe deformity that is immobile and causing pain.<\/p>\n\n

    Additionally, while surgery is usually not recommended to fit better in shoes, your doctor may recommend this if you have trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

    Surgery may also need to be considered if:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n