Hammertoe Surgery at Pivotal Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can start as a mild irritation and gradually progress into a painful deformity. At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, with offices in St. Joseph and Kansas City, MO, patients from Parkville, Platte City, and surrounding communities receive personalized care for hammertoe and other toe deformities. While non-surgical treatments are often effective in the early stages, there are situations where surgery may be the most appropriate solution.

What Causes Hammertoe to Develop?

Hammertoe occurs when the second joint of a toe is curled due to imbalanced muscles, creating a claw-like appearance. It usually occurs in the second, third, or fourth toe and is caused by improperly fitting shoes, high arches, flat feet, or arthritis. The deformity becomes stiff with time and causes pain, forms corns and calluses, and renders shoes difficult to procure. In active individuals and patients with long hours on their feet, this disorder can seriously compromise mobility and activities of daily living.

When Conservative Treatment Falls Short

Early hammertoe is treatable with conservative management such as padding, custom orthotics, toe splints, and changes in footwear. Stretching exercises can also be helpful to improve flexibility and decrease pain. Once the joint stiffens and the toe becomes stuck in a flexed position, these will be useless. In the presence of persistent pain, improper shoes, or pressure creating open sores, surgical treatment should be entertained.

What Hammertoe Surgery Involves

Hammertoe surgery is designed to straighten the affected toe and restore proper alignment. Depending on the severity of the deformity, the procedure may involve tendon release, joint resection, or bone fusion. At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the surgical approach is chosen based on the degree of joint rigidity, overall foot structure, and the patient’s activity level. Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients begin walking in a protective shoe shortly after surgery. While recovery varies, most individuals return to normal footwear and daily routines within a few weeks to a few months.

Expert Hammertoe Surgery in Northwest Missouri

If you are experiencing pain, limited mobility, or difficulty wearing shoes due to hammertoe, surgical treatment may be the best path forward. At Pivotal Foot and Ankle Surgeons, our experienced team in St. Joseph and Kansas City, MO, offers advanced solutions for patients in Parkville, Platte City, and nearby areas. Call (816) 364-2338 to schedule a consultation and find out if hammertoe surgery is right for you.