Arthroplasty is a proven surgical solution for addressing hammertoe deformities, offering relief and improved function. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we specialize in providing personalized care to help you find comfort and regain mobility in Queens. This article discusses what to expect from arthroplasty and how to prepare for surgery.
What Is Arthroplasty for Hammertoes?
Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct rigid hammertoes. We do this by reshaping or removing part of the bone in your affected toe, and it takes about five minutes per toe to complete. By realigning the toe and relieving tension in the soft tissues, this effective procedure restores a more natural position and reduces pain. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we perform arthroplasty as an outpatient surgery, so you can usually walk out the door the same day.
When Is Arthroplasty Toe Surgery Recommended in Queens, NYC?
We can recommend conservative treatments such as changing footwear, using orthotics, or incorporating splints to manage mild hammertoe symptoms when your symptoms start to appear. However, arthroplasty is often recommended by our Queens toe doctors for more severe cases. Toe arthroplasty is the best option if:
- Your hammertoe is rigid and does not respond to non-surgical approaches.
- The deformity makes it painful to walk or even wear shoes.
- Conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
- Your hammertoe limits your mobility or affects your overall quality of life.
Our experienced podiatrists for hammertoe will carefully evaluate your condition and help you decide if arthroplasty is the best option.
Preparing for Arthroplasty Toe Surgery
Preparation helps create the right conditions for a smooth hammer toe arthroplasty and recovery. Here’s what you can expect in the lead-up to your procedure:
- Initial Consultation: During your visit, we’ll examine your foot, review your medical history, and possibly take X-rays. This helps us assess the severity of your hammertoe and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Pre-Operative Instructions: We’ll provide clear guidance for the next steps. It may include avoiding certain medications or getting your home ready for your recovery. The goal is to ensure you feel confident about the procedure.
- Customizing the Approach: Depending on your condition, we’ll determine whether an uncomplicated joint arthroplasty or a more complex technique, like tendon relocation, is needed.
Feel free to ask our team any questions and look through our hammertoes images to get a better visual of the outcomes.
The Day of Your Arthroplasty Toe Surgery | Queens, NYC Podiatrist
On the day of your surgery, you’ll arrive at our Queens office for your outpatient procedure. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Anesthesia and Preparation: We’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you have a painless experience. You’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Surgical Technique: Your Best Foot Dr. NY podiatrist carefully removes or reshapes part of the bone in the affected joint. If needed, we’ll also make soft tissue adjustments or put in a stabilizing pin to help the toe heal in the correct position.
- Post-Procedure Instructions: Once the surgery is complete, we’ll apply a surgical dressing, and you’ll go home with a list of detailed aftercare instructions. Most arthroplasty procedures take less than an hour.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Recovering from hammertoe arthroplasty requires careful attention to your foot health. While most patients can return to light activities quickly, your full recovery typically takes several weeks.
- Week One: Keep your foot elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling. Try to avoid getting the surgical area wet, and wear your surgical shoe at all times.
- Weeks Two to Four: As the swelling starts to go down, you can return to light activity and transition to regular footwear. We conduct follow-up appointments at Best Foot Dr. NY to check that your foot is healing properly.
- Week Eight and Beyond: By this point, most of the swelling should be gone, and you’ll notice improved mobility. Our team continues to monitor your progress and will let you know when you can resume all activities.
How to Prevent Future Hammertoes
Prevention is key to avoiding additional toe deformities or the recurrence of symptoms. Follow these tips to maintain healthy feet:
- Wear shoes that fit and have enough room for your toe and arch support.
- Incorporate stretching exercises to keep your toes and feet flexible.
- Use orthotics to distribute pressure evenly across your feet.
- Avoid prolonged use of high heels or narrow footwear.
Set Up Your Arthroplasty Consultation With Best Foot Dr. NY Today
If you’re dealing with painful hammertoes and wondering if arthroplasty is right for you, knowing what to expect can help you make the right decision. At Best Foot Dr. NY in Queens, NYC, we specialize in providing effective, minimally invasive solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward pain-free living.