What can be done about hammer toes?

Question

My big toes are much bigger than the rest of my feet, is it possible to get part of it removed or not?

Answer 1

They might have to shave the bone

Answer 2

What you have described is not a hammer toe condition.  Hammer toes are at an extreme angle to the rest of your toes and can be corrected via surgery.  Long big toes cannot be reduced without all kinds of problems.  True hammer toes are extremely painful and can be corrected via orthopedic surgery.

Answer 3

That's not hammer toes. Hammer toes curve under and usually have to be surgically straightened out.

I think your problem is purely genetics.

Answer 4

Mine are like that too. You could if you want i guess

Answer 5

definitely.  do they fold under the rest of your foot?  sick!!

Answer 6

yes see a foot doc

Answer 7

http://www.footphysicians.com/footanklei...

This web page will provide some helpful answers to your questions.

Answer 8

ewww, proli. i never heard of hammer toes.

Answer 9

COPIED:

Treatment: Non-Surgical Approaches

There are a variety of treatment options for hammertoe. The treatment your foot and ankle surgeon selects will depend upon the severity of your hammertoe and other factors.

A number of non-surgical measures can be undertaken:

Trimming corns and calluses. This should be done by a healthcare professional. Never attempt to do this yourself, because you run the risk of cuts and infection. Your foot and ankle surgeon knows the proper way to trim corns to bring you the greatest benefit.

Padding corns and calluses. Your foot and ankle surgeon can provide or prescribe pads designed to shield corns from irritation. If you want to try over-the-counter pads, avoid the medicated types. Medicated pads are generally not recommended because they may contain a small amount of acid that can be harmful. Consult your foot and ankle surgeon about this option.

Changes in shoewear. Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too short, or shoes with high heels—conditions that can force your toe against the front of the shoe. Instead, choose comfortable shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and heels no higher than two inches.

Orthotic devices. A custom orthotic device placed in your shoe may help control the muscle/tendon imbalance.

Injection therapy. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to ease pain and inflammation caused by hammertoe.

Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.

Splinting/strapping. Splints or small straps may be applied by the foot and ankle surgeon to realign the bent toe.



When is Surgery Needed?

In some cases, usually when the hammertoe has become more rigid, surgery is needed to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the deformity. Your foot and ankle surgeon will discuss the options and select a plan tailored to your needs. Among other concerns, he or she will take into consideration the type of shoes you want to wear, the number of toes involved, your activity level, your age, and the severity of the hammertoe.

The most common surgical procedure performed to correct a hammertoe is called arthroplasty. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a small section of the bone from the affected joint.

Another surgical option is arthrodesis, which is usually reserved for more rigid toes or severe cases, such as when there are multiple joints or toes involved. Arthrodesis is a procedure that involves a fusing of a small joint in the toe to straighten it. A pin or other small fixation device is typically used to hold the toe in position while the bones are healing.

It is possible that a patient may require other procedures, as well—especially when the hammertoe condition is severe. Some of these procedures include skin wedging (the removal of wedges of skin), tendon/muscle rebalancing or lengthening, small tendon transfers, or relocation of surrounding joints.

Often patients with hammertoe have bunions or other foot deformities corrected at the same time. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.