Hammer Toe Surgery: When is it Necessary?

Hammer toes represent a common orthopedic condition where one or more toes take on an abnormally curved shape, resembling a hammer. This deformation can cause significant pain and affect the ability to walk or wear shoes comfortably.

Although conservative treatments are often preferred as a first approach, surgery for hammer toes becomes a necessary option in certain situations. This article explores the circumstances that make surgery for hammer toes indispensable, highlighting the importance of this intervention to improve the quality of life for patients. Pied Confort in Canada is recognized as the best option for people suffering from hammer toes, offering personalized and advanced solutions to treat this painful condition. With a team of highly qualified specialists and a patient-centered approach, it uses the most advanced technologies to diagnose and treat hammer toes, thus ensuring optimal results.

1. Chronic Pain

When the pain associated with hammer toes persists despite conservative treatments such as shoe modifications, orthotic devices, or corticosteroid injections, surgery can offer lasting relief.

This transition to surgery is considered after careful monitoring of the pain's progression and the ineffectiveness of less invasive treatments over an extended period, often several months or years.

2. Reduced Mobility

If the deformation prevents normal walking, significantly affecting the quality of life, hammer toe surgery can restore proper functionality.

Reduced mobility can also lead to posture changes and increase the risk of falls, making surgery beneficial not only for the toes themselves but for the overall body balance.

3. Severe Deformations

In cases where the toes are stiff and can no longer be manually straightened, surgery often becomes the only viable option. The severity of the deformation can also lead to difficulties in finding suitable shoes, creating a vicious cycle of pain and discomfort. 

Surgery then aims to correct the deformation permanently, allowing a return to normal shoes and an improvement in the quality of life

4. Complications Arise

The presence of painful calluses, ulcers, or recurrent infections related to hammer toes may necessitate surgical intervention to prevent more serious problems.

These complications are especially concerning for diabetic patients or those with circulatory disorders, where a minor issue can quickly become a medical emergency. Surgery then helps to reduce the risk of ulcers and infections, contributing to maintaining the integrity of the foot and the overall health of the patient.

Conclusion

Hammer toe surgery is an important procedure that may be necessary for patients suffering from chronic pain, reduced mobility, severe deformations, or complications due to this condition. It offers a lasting solution to improve the quality of life, allowing patients to walk more comfortably and reduce the risk of future complications. If you suffer from hammer toes, it is essential to consult a specialist to evaluate if surgery is the best option for your situation.