- HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS
- BUNIONS
- DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE (Arthritis)
- HEEL PROBLEMS AND BONE SPURS
- TOE PROBLEMS
- OTHER FOREFOOT PROBLEMS
Problems with toes, such as hammertoes, corns, and spurs, can make walking painful. With hammertoes, one or more toes curl or bend abnormally. This can be caused by an inherited muscle problem, an abnormal bone length, or poor foot mechanics. The affected joints can rub inside shoes, causing corns (buildups of dead skin). Here are common toe problems and treatments.
When hammertoes are flexible, you can straighten the buckled joints. Flexible hammertoes may become rigid over time. Corns, irritation, and pain are common symptoms.
Tendon Release
This treatment helps release the buckled joint. The bottom (flexor) tendon may be repositioned to the top of the affected toe (flexor tendon transfer). Sometimes, the top or bottom tendon is released but not repositioned (tenotomy). Right after surgery, you can bear weight on your foot. You will have to wear a bandage, splint, and surgical shoe for several weeks.
A curled fifth toe is most often inherited. When the fifth toe curls inward, it moves under the next toe. Then the nail of the curled toe starts to face outward. As a result, you may bear weight on the side of your toe instead of the bottom. This can cause corns and painful nails.
Derotation Arthroplasty
A wedge of skin and a section of bone are removed to help straighten (derotate) the toe. You can bear weight on your foot right after surgery. In some cases, you may need to wear a bandage, splint, and surgical shoe for a few weeks. When healed, the bones become connected with scar tissue.
Rigid hammertoes are fixed (not flexible). You cannot straighten the buckled joints. Corns, pain, and loss of function may be more severe with rigid hammertoes than with flexible ones.
Arthroplasty
A part of the joint is removed, and the two is straightened. In some cases, the entire joint may be replaced with an implant. You can bear weight on your foot right after surgery. You may need to wear a surgical shoe for a few weeks. When healed, the bones become connected with scar tissue, making your toe flexible.
Fusion
First, the cartilage and some bone on both sides of the joint are removed. Then, the toe is straightened, and the two bones are held together, often with a pin. The pin is removed after several weeks. You can bear weight on your foot right away. But you will need a surgical shoe for a few weeks. Once you foot heals, the toe will be less flexible, but more stable.
A bone spur on your toe may occur alone, or with other foot problems. Toe spurs have a number of causes and may result in pain when walking.
Minimal Incision Surgery
This procedure involves making only a small skin incision. A tiny power rasp (similar to a dental burr) or a special file is inserted to smooth the bone. After surgery, your foot will be bandaged, but you can walk on it right away. In some cases, you may need to wear a surgical shoe for a few weeks.
