Hammertoe can be a painful and frustrating condition, making everyday activities uncomfortable. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, it may be time to consider hammertoe surgery. This procedure is often the most effective way to correct the deformity and alleviate discomfort, allowing you to return to your regular routine with less pain. You can get it here at the Oregon Institute of Foot Care LLC.
What Is a Hammertoe?
Hammertoe surgery is a unique procedure that Dr. Tyler Manson performs, oftentimes along with bunion surgery. Hammertoe surgery allows you to weight bear immediately and get back into a gym shoe in a short amount of time! A hammertoe is a toe that curls or bends at the end of the toe and is often caused by a long toe that extends past the other shorter toes. Hammertoes can be troublesome for many reasons, both cosmetically and functionally.
With a hammertoe, there is often a painful corn on top of the toe or callus on the ball of the foot. The toe can dislocate over the metatarsal bone due to the toe constantly jamming at the end of the shoe or if the metatarsal bone behind the toe is too long.
When Is Hammertoe Surgery Necessary?
Knowing when to consider hammertoe surgery is important. It’s typically recommended once non-surgical treatments, like custom orthotics or anti-inflammatory medications, no longer provide relief. If your hammertoe causes ongoing pain or limits your mobility, surgery in Portland or nearby areas might be the next step.
What Does Hammertoe Surgery Involve?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Manson determines which hammertoe surgery you need based on where you are feeling pain and with in-office X-rays of your feet. The hammertoe surgery is completed at an outpatient surgery center or hospital. Hammertoe surgery is done under Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC), also known as twilight anesthesia, through a small incision on the side of the toe.
Dr. Manson removes a section of bone that is arthritic and prevents the toe from straightening, then inserts a wire to hold the toe in the proper alignment while it heals. This wire is not visible during the healing process because it will be underneath the skin and will not stick out the end of your toe. The wire is not meant to be permanent, and it will be removed at a later date by Dr. Manson. The incision is then closed, allowing you to recover.
For optimal functional and cosmetic results, Dr. Manson always addresses any bunion deformity as well. If you have a bunion along with long toes, he always corrects the bunion along with the hammertoe surgery. If the bunion deformity is not corrected, the big toe pushes against the smaller toes as they heal. This pushing eventually causes the toes to heal crooked or become crooked over time.
What to Expect During Hammertoe Surgery Recovery
After hammertoe surgery, you may experience post-surgical soreness for a few days, which can be managed with appropriate medication. You will be able to bear weight immediately and wear surgical shoes.
Patients wear the surgical shoe for 2-3 weeks, during which the foot must be kept clean and dry. After 2-3 weeks, the sutures will be removed, and patients are allowed to wear gym shoes. At 8-12 weeks, depending on how the bones are healing, Dr. Manson will numb the toes to remove the wire inside of the toe using local anesthesia in the office. Then you are allowed to return to exercise, like running and jumping, and typical shoes can be worn.
Hammertoe surgery is very successful, although no surgery will ever be perfect or without risk. Healing is determined by the success of the surgery, genetics, and compliance with instructions, all combined. With all the surgeries, we tell our patients that it will take 4-6 months before they start to see their true results due to swelling. Dr. Manson uses plastic surgery techniques to help you achieve your desired final result – a beautiful foot.
Some more serious complications of toe surgery include but are not limited to, floating toe, crooked healing, creases/scarring to the skin, numbness, or a toe that is painful or swollen.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
After the procedure, proper care is essential for a successful recovery. Most patients can expect to return home the same day, as foot surgery in Portland is usually performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to follow a specific post-operative regimen, including keeping the foot elevated, avoiding weight-bearing activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Complete recovery can take several weeks, but the results are often well worth the effort.
What Is the Cost of Hammertoe Surgery?
Hammertoe surgery is usually fully or partially covered by insurance if it is painful for you. Coverage by insurance is always checked prior to performing the surgery so you are aware of any costs.
Schedule Your Hammertoe Surgery Consultation
If hammertoe treatment is something you’re considering, it’s important to consult with a specialist who understands your needs. Dr. Tyler Manson and the experienced team at Oregon Institute of Foot Care LLC are here to guide you through the process. Serving patients in Portland, Lake Oswego, and West Linn, they offer comprehensive care personalized to your specific situation. Contact the Oregon Institute of Foot Care team today to schedule your consultation.
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