Do I Need Surgery For My Hammertoe?

HammertoeHave you been wondering if it's time for hammertoe surgery? Surgery can relieve your pain and allow you to enjoy your normal activities once again. Hammertoe surgery is one of the treatments that Bronx, NY, foot doctor Dr. Barry Finkelstein at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates offers to his patients.

Is it the right time for surgery?

Your Bronx podiatrist may recommend hammertoe surgery in these situations:

  • Your pain hasn't improved after conservative treatment: Surgery may be the best treatment if nothing you try relieves your pain. Although pads, exercises, roomier shoes, orthotics and foot exercises can help reduce pain, these measures aren't always helpful. There's no need to live in pain indefinitely when surgery can ease your symptoms.
  • You can't do the things you want to do: Has your life changed since you developed your foot condition? When your toe hurts, any activity that involves walking becomes much more difficult. Even walking from your car to your office can aggravate your condition and increase pain. When walking becomes unpleasant, you may decide to forego your usual exercise routine. Unfortunately, skipping exercise can lead to weight gain, which may put increased pressure on your toe. When hammertoe pain brings unwanted changes to your usual routine, surgery can help you get back to normal.
  • You have trouble finding shoes that fit: Finding shoes that offer plenty of room in the toes isn't always easy when you have hammertoe. Although sandals can be a good choice in the summer, eventually the weather turns cooler, limiting your footwear choices. If you must resort to wearing shoes that don't fit well, your hammertoe pain may increase. After surgery, shoe shopping won't be such a frustrating experience.

What types of surgery are used to treat hammertoe?

The type of surgery your podiatrist recommends will depend on whether your hammertoe is flexible or fixed. Moving tendons from the bottom to the top of your toe can straighten your toe if it's still flexible. If your hammertoe has become rigid, you may need a joint resection. In some cases, fusion surgery may be the best option.

Could surgery help relieve your hammertoe pain? Call your Bronx, NY, foot doctor Dr. Barry Finkelstein at NYNJ Foot and Ankle Associates at (718) 881-7990 to schedule an appointment.

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