Hammertoe Surgery in Brooklyn

DIGITAL/TOE DEFORMITIES
A deformed toe is one of the more common conditions known to afflict the foot, whether it be a hammertoe, mallet toe or overlap­ping toe. Best Foot Doctor NY offers hammertoe surgery in Brooklyn and surrounding areas.

HAMMERTOES
A hammertoe is a flexible or rigid contrac­tion usually affecting the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. Most often a biomechanical abnormality results in the larger muscles of the foot and leg overpowering the smaller intrinsic muscles of the foot. Muscle imbalance leads to a bending or “buckling” of the toe joints. These buckled or contracted positions create any number of problems within and on top of the toe deformity. One or more small joints become prominent on top of the malpositioned toe. Tendons, ligaments and joint capsules in that area have a greater chance of tightening and shortening causing foot discomfort. Shoe irritation of the deformed digit results in corns, skin inflammation and inability to wear shoes comfortably. If left untreated with podiatry services, these conditions can progress to ulcers or infections.

Differences in Hammertoes

A flexible hammertoe refers to a reducible hammertoe in contrast to the rigid hammer­toe where the deformity is fixed or not easily straightened. There are many causes of hammertoes. Some are congenital, hereditary or acquired. An inherited condition may mean an inherited muscle imbalance around the toe or a parent with an abnormally long toe. An acquired hammertoe refers to those caused by short stockings or short/pointed shoes, espe­cially where a long toe is present. Arthritic patients and those with diabetic neuropathy can be more susceptible to hammertoes according to some foot specialists. Hammertoe surgery in Brooklyn by a pediatric podiatrist may be necessary, but contact our podiatry physicians first so we can help fully analyze your foot care needs.

FOOT PAIN TREATMENT

Conservative podiatry treatments can consist of one or more of the following.
1. Trimming, digital splinting and/or pad­ding of the corn.
2. Orthotics or inserts in shoes to correct improper walking.
3. Injections to relieve pain and inflamma­tion.
4. Larger or extra depth shoes to accommo­date toe deformities.
If these conservative podiatry treatments are unsuc­cessful in treating your deformity, then cor­rective cosmetic foot surgery by podiatry physicians should be considered.
The surgical correction of your toe defor­mity may be performed by a foot doctor in the office, out­patient surgical center or as one-day hospi­tal surgery.

DIGITAL/TOE HAMMERTOE SURGICAL OPTIONS
These podiatry services help provide foot pain treatment by straightening the toes by cutting the bone, tendon, joints and/or ligaments.

1. TENOTOMY AND CAPSULOTOMY
The terms tenotomy and capsulotomy refer to the cutting of tendons and joint capsules. More specifically in relation to hammertoe deformities, the tight tendons and joint cap­sules located on the top and bottom of the buckled or contracted toe joints are released.
Once these tight, soft-tissue structures are cut and relaxed, the toe can resume its nor­mal flattened posture.

2. ARTHROPLASTY
This very popular procedure for a pediatric podiatrist involves re­moval of cartilage and bone in remodeling a deformed joint. It allows for relief of the painful area.

3. ARTHROPLASTY WITH FIXATION FOR FUSION
This procedure involves joint removal and the use of a wire (pin) to stabilize or fuse the deformed toe.

4. ARTHROPLASTY WITH TENDON RELOCATION
A joint space is created and the toe is re­aligned by relocating the flexor tendon, which pulls the toe down.

5. ARTHROPLASTY WITH IMPLANTATION
Following excision of a joint, a plastic im­plant is placed inside to act as a functional spacer.

6. DEROTATION/ REALIGNMENT PROCEDURE FOR OVERLAPPING TOE
A wedge of skin and a segment of bone are removed to realign the overlapping toe.

7. BONE SPUR REMOVAL
An incision is made and an instrument is used to file or excise the bone spur and re­move the source of increased pressure.

8. OSTEOTOMY
A cut is made through the bone to allow it to be realigned. Wire or pin fixation could be required.

POSTOPERATIVE FOOT CARE

After cosmetic foot surgery from one of our foot specialists, you will receive instructions regarding the care of your dressings, your level of activity and weight-bearing. As with all foot surgery, rest and elevation can help reduce pain and swelling.