Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that can cause discomfort and pain. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, the experienced podiatry team led by Ijeoma Nwuju, DPM, at the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center in Washington, DC, may recommend minimally invasive hammertoe surgery. If you’re considering this procedure, it’s essential to understand what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
What is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a condition where one or more of your toes become bent at the middle joint, causing them to take a hammer shape. This deformity can result from various factors, including genetics, ill-fitting shoes, injury, or arthritis. Left untreated, hammertoes can be painful, make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably, and lead to other foot problems.
When hammertoe requires surgery
Hammertoe surgery is considered when conservative treatments, like wearing larger or more comfortable shoes, using custom orthotics, or doing toe exercises, fail to relieve your symptoms. Our team evaluates the severity of your hammertoe and discusses whether surgery is the best course of action.
Minimally invasive hammertoe surgery
If our team determines your hammertoe needs surgical treatment, we recommend minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to correct the condition. MIS offers several benefits over traditional surgery.
During the MIS procedure, your surgeon makes small incisions to access the affected joint and correct the deformity. The approach minimizes tissue damage, reduces scarring, and often results in a quicker recovery than with traditional surgical methods.
What to expect before surgery
Before your minimally invasive hammertoe surgery, you have a pre-operative consultation. During this appointment, your doctor and you discuss your medical history, any allergies or medications you’re taking, and you receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.
What to expect on surgery day
On the day of your surgery, you arrive for your appointment, and we prep you for the procedure. The type of anesthesia can vary depending on your specific case, and your surgeon or the anesthetist discusses your options with you. Once you’re comfortably sedated, the surgeon makes small incisions and uses specialized instruments to correct the hammertoe.
Recovery and postoperative care
Most people go home on the same day as their surgery. You can expect a relatively short recovery period compared to traditional open surgery. You may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this can usually be managed with prescribed pain medications and foot elevation. You’ll be instructed to keep weight off the foot and wear a special shoe or cast to protect and support the healing toe.
We may recommend physical therapy or exercises to help restore strength and mobility in your toe. You may also have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
If you’re experiencing hammertoe symptoms and conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, consult with the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center team to discuss whether minimally invasive hammertoe surgery is the right option for you. Call the office, or schedule an appointment online today.