If you’re dealing with toe pain, irritation, or difficulty wearing shoes due to a bent toe deformity, you may have a hammertoe. At our practice serving Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, offers comprehensive hammertoe treatment tailored to your needs. From early-stage conservative care to advanced surgical correction, Dr. Fallis focuses on relieving pain, restoring proper toe alignment, and improving your overall foot function.
Hammertoe can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Seeking expert care early can help prevent progression and ensure the best possible outcome. Patients throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati trust Dr. Fallis for precise diagnosis and effective, personalized treatment plans.
What is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity of a lesser toe (second through fifth toes), where the toe is bent upward at the toe’s middle joint, resembling a hammer. The bent portion may rub against the shoe causing pain, irritation and develop corn.
What are the Causes of Hammertoe?
This condition is caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow near the toes, when the second toe is larger than the first, and as a complication of arthritis and certain neuromuscular conditions.
What are the Treatment Options for Hammertoe?
A hammertoe in the early stages is flexible and may be treated by conservative measures such as strapping, padding and wearing appropriate footwear.
In more severe cases and when conservative treatment does not help, surgical correction is indicated. Surgery may include a tendon transfer procedure where a tendon is rearranged from the lower side of the toe to the top, to pull the bent joint down and straighten the toe.
Stiff or fixed hammertoes may be corrected by joint resection or joint fusion (permanent straightening of the toe), which involves cutting tendons and ligaments of the joint and removing part of the bone to help straighten the joint. The straightened toe is held by pins for 3-4 weeks following surgery. Hammertoe correction is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
What can be Expected Post Operation?
There may be some swelling, redness, and stiffness following surgery. A special shoe may be ordered to help with walking.
What are the Risks and Complications of Hammertoe Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, hammertoe correction may be associated with some risks including infection, bleeding, nerve injury or poor alignment of the toe.
Why Choose Dr. Bryan Fallis for Hammertoe Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
When it comes to treating hammertoe, experience and specialized care matter. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon dedicated to helping patients regain comfort and mobility.
Here’s why patients in Ft. Mitchell and Cincinnati choose Dr. Fallis:
- Specialized Foot & Ankle Expertise: Focused training in diagnosing and treating toe deformities like hammertoe.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a customized approach, whether non-surgical or surgical.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: Modern procedures designed to correct deformities with precision and promote faster recovery.
- Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-operative follow-up, every step is carefully managed.
- Convenient Regional Access: Serving both Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area for easy, accessible care.
Dr. Fallis is committed to not only correcting the deformity but also improving your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Hammertoe Treatment FAQs
Can hammertoe be corrected without surgery?
Yes, in early stages, hammertoe can often be managed with conservative treatments such as proper footwear, padding, and splinting.
When is surgery necessary for hammertoe?
Surgery is recommended when the toe becomes stiff, painful, or when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Is hammertoe surgery performed under general anesthesia?
Most hammertoe procedures are performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
How long does recovery take after hammertoe surgery?
Initial healing typically takes a few weeks, but full recovery may take several weeks to a few months depending on the procedure.
Will I be able to walk after surgery?
Yes, patients are usually able to walk with the help of a special surgical shoe shortly after the procedure.
Can hammertoe come back after treatment?
Recurrence is uncommon but possible, especially if contributing factors like improper footwear are not addressed.
Schedule Hammertoe Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Don’t let hammertoe pain interfere with your daily life. Whether you need conservative care or surgical correction, Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM is here to help you find lasting relief.
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