Hammertoe Surgery Can Improve Your Mobility and Function

The development of severe hammertoe is typically the result of wearing narrow shoes that lack adequate support. Over time, it can cause exceptional pain and difficulty walking for patients. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we can relieve your discomfort and restore function by repositioning your toe, removing deformed bone tissue, or realigning your tendons through hammertoe correction surgery. As a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist at our Cedar Park, TX, practice, Dr. Andrew Ebert will ensure you receive optimal treatment and comprehensive care. 

toes curling downward

What is Hammertoe?

Hammertoe is an abnormality characterized by a middle joint in the second, third, or fourth toe that is curled downward instead of remaining straight, giving the appearance of a hammer. Although it is typically diagnosed in the second or third toe, it can affect any of the toes on your foot. Conservative treatments and exercises may help treat hammertoe and prevent the problem from progressing. However, for most patients, the toe will remain in a downward position and eventually require surgery.

Hammertoe Causes

Hammer toe usually develops over time from arthritis or wearing narrow shoes with inadequate arch support, such as high heels. This results in an imbalance in the surrounding muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the foot, preventing the toe from bending and straightening properly. Once the muscles weaken and the toe remains in a bent state for a prolonged amount of time, it will no longer be able to straighten on its own.

If conservative treatments are ineffective, or the condition is already severe, your doctor will recommend outpatient surgery to reposition the toe, remove the deformed bone, and realign tendons.

Women have a greater chance of developing hammer toe, due to trendy shoes with narrow toe boxes and high heels. You may be at risk for developing this foot disorder if you are older, have diabetes, or a family history of hammer toe. Other causes may include:

  • Toe length
  • Age
  • Birth defect
  • Arthritis
  • Toe injury

Signs and Symptoms

Hammertoe is very apparent and easily diagnosed. Common symptoms may include:

  • A bent toe that looks like a hammer
  • Pain when moving the affected toe
  • Inability to straighten the affected toe
  • Difficulty walking
  • Swelling or redness on the toe
  • Corns, calluses, or open sores on top of the joints of the affected toe

Types of Treatment

During your consultation, the doctor will carefully examine and maneuver the affected toe and surrounding toes, as well as order a series of x-rays to view the bone structure. In mild to moderate cases, he may initially prescribe certain non-surgical treatments, such as stretches, exercises, and orthopedic footwear to help realign the toe.

If conservative treatments are ineffective, or the condition is already severe, your doctor will recommend outpatient surgery to reposition the toe, remove the deformed bone, and realign tendons. Possible surgical procedures we provide include:

Arthroplasty:
During this procedure, the doctor will remove half of your joint below the bent toe to help keep the toe straight.
Arthrodesis:
During this procedure, the entire joint below the bent toe is removed and a tiny pin is inserted into the bone to keep the toe straight as it heals.
Tendon Transfer:
In cases where weakened tendons below the toe are the issue, the doctor will redirect the tendons to above the toe to provide better toe support.
Basal Phalangectomy:
In severe cases, your doctor will remove the bone below the base of the toe to assist with mobility.
Weil Osteotomy:
During this procedure, the doctor will shorten the metatarsal bone and insert surgical pins to aid in mobility and toe function.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are concerned about hammertoe, seeing a specialist early on can prevent severe issues from developing. Our doctors at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin offer innovative techniques in hammertoe surgery to help patients achieve full mobility with minimal downtime. Contact our office today online or by calling (512) 476-2830 to schedule your consultation.

Our team

Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, we have a team of board-certified specialists who can treat a wide range of conditions. Our specialists use the most advanced techniques to provide minimally invasive treatment options.

For more information about our services, contact our office online or call (512) 476-2830 today.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 4611 Guadalupe St Ste 200 Austin, TX

Austin Office

4611 Guadalupe St
Ste 200
Austin, TX 78751

Open Today 8:00am - 5:00pm

Google map image of our location in 715 Discovery Blvd Ste 102 Cedar Park, TX

Cedar Park Office

715 Discovery Blvd
Ste 102
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Open Today 8:00am - 5:00pm

Google map image of our location in 5329 Serene Hills Dr Ste 202 Austin, TX

Lakeway Office

5329 Serene Hills Dr
Ste 202
Austin, TX 78738

Open Today 8:00am - 5:00pm

(512) 476-2830 Send a message