A hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, so that it resembles a hammer. Initially, hammertoes are flexible and can be corrected with simple measures but, if left untreated, they can become fixed and require surgery.
Hammertoes are classified based on the mobility of the toe joints. There are two types - flexible and rigid. In a flexible hammertoe, the joint has the ability to move. This type of hammertoe can be straightened manually. A rigid hammertoe does not have that same ability to move. Movement is very limited and can be extremely painful.
There are several reasons why patients undergo hammertoe surgery. While pain is the most common indication for hammertoe surgery, one cannot separate pain and cosmesis in many of these cases. Certainly, there are severe deformities associated with hammertoes and in many instances, one may be able to manage these problems with roomier shoe gear. However, when the symptoms are not relieved by shoe gear modifications, surgery is often a very viable option.
Hammertoe surgery is one of the most successful and gratifying procedures for surgeons and patients alike. Over 300,000 hammertoe surgeries are performed each year. Patients usually have few complications and are able to resume their daily activities without significant interference.
Get the right footwear. Get best shoes plantar faciatis and best shoe with metatarsal support
|