Hammertoe Surgery in St. Joseph and Kansas City MO.
A hammertoe gets its name from its shape. Specifically, it happens when the tip of a toe points downward while the middle curls upward. Most often, this issue affects the toes besides your big ones. Fortunately, Dr. Russell Grimes, Dr. Ross Bartley, and Dr. Tyler Sten offer conservative treatments and surgery at Pivotal Foot & Ankle Surgeons, serving St Joseph, MO, Kansas City, MO, Parkville, and Platte City.
What's a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe happens when you have one or more toes that bend at the middle joint upward, giving the affected toe(s) the appearance of a claw hammer. Rather than the toe bending when you want, you may lack mobility in it, especially as it worsens. The toe could get so bad that it becomes permanently frozen in place. Moreover, in the more severe cases, the impacted toe may look like it's an upside-down "V."
This joint problem occurs when your muscles and tendons in the toe tighten. And it's a more common problem that you may have realized. According to the Cleveland Clinic, experts believe that hammertoes account for around 20 percent of feet and ankle problems.
Symptoms of a Hammertoe
The first sign you may notice is a visible change in the shape or bend of your toe. You may also experience the following:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Difficulty moving the toe
- Pain that usually happens near the top of the toe
- Corns or calluses near the top of the toe
Diagnosing a Hammertoe
A physical exam is usually enough to diagnose hammertoes. But, in addition to examining your toes, a practitioner may ask you to move the affected toe. Moreover, a podiatrist in Cary, NC, will also ask you questions about your symptoms. Sometimes, an X-ray will be ordered to view the structure of your toe. Based on the results, you may receive a diagnosis of either a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid hammertoe.
Treating a Hammertoe
In minor cases, these steps may be enough:
- Wearing foot pads
- Taping your toe
- Making footwear changes
- Wearing orthotic devices
In the worst-case scenarios, you may need surgery. This is only advisable if you have severe pain not addressed by other treatments or are struggling to walk because of your toe. We may recommend a joint resection, which is when we fix the joint in place. On the other hand, rerouting your tendons can help straighten the toe.
Find a Podiatrist Near You Today
If you have a hammertoe, no matter the severity, Dr. Grimes, Dr. Bartley, or Dr. Sten at Pivotal Foot & Ankle Surgeons can provide you with treatments to manage negative side effects. Call us at (816) 364-2338 today to book an appointment.