Hammertoes
Most Hammertoes can be corrected in our office!
A hammertoe is a painful deformity of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th toe. It is called a hammertoe because the toe resembles a hammer. The toe is bent up in the middle with the end of the toe facing downward. These toes can be rigid and painful. Most patients with hammertoes complain of corns or sores on the top of their toe from rubbing against the top of their shoes. Sometimes hammertoes can pop out of joint and push down on the bone behind it, causing pain on the ball of the foot.
While larger, roomier shoes and toe pads can relieve pain for a short time, surgery is the only real way to correct a hammertoe.
There are different types of hammertoes and some only require surgery on the tendons, while others require more extensive procedures. Most of these procedures can now be performed in the office instead of the hospital, making the procedure more convenient and less expensive.
Traditional hammertoe surgery requires toe surgery to be performed in a hospital or surgery center. These larger surgeries involve longer scars and slower healing times, with increased pain and swelling.
Hammertoes
Most Hammertoes can be corrected in our office!
A hammertoe is a painful deformity of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th toe. It is called a hammertoe because the toe resembles a hammer. The toe is bent up in the middle with the end of the toe facing downward. These toes can be rigid and painful. Most patients with hammertoes complain of corns or sores on the top of their toe from rubbing against the top of their shoes. Sometimes hammertoes can pop out of joint and push down on the bone behind it, causing pain on the ball of the foot.
While larger, roomier shoes and toe pads can relieve pain for a short time, surgery is the only real way to correct a hammertoe.
There are different types of hammertoes and some only require surgery on the tendons, while others require more extensive procedures. Most of these procedures can now be performed in the office instead of the hospital, making the procedure more convenient and less expensive.
Traditional hammertoe surgery requires toe surgery to be performed in a hospital or surgery center. These larger surgeries involve longer scars and slower healing times, with increased pain and swelling.
The newest and most innovative procedure for hammertoe correction is called “ZIP” surgery. ZIP surgery stands for “Zero Incisional Pain” and involves 1 to 3 small incisions to correct your hammertoe. In fact, the incisions are so small that you usually don’t even need stitches. The result is great correction of the toe, less pain, less swelling, and virtually no scars, leaving you with a wonderful cosmetic appearance.
Dr. Williams is one of only about 100 surgeons in the country certified to use both the Crossroads and the Stryker ProStep systems for toe surgery. He is a leader in this type of surgery and performed THE FIRST “ZIP” toe surgery in the state of Texas.
While ZIP surgery is an excellent alternative to traditional toe surgery, every case is different. Traditional surgery may be a better option for some patients. Schedule your appointment today so we can talk about which procedure is best for you.
