Hammer toe is a painful deformity where one or more of your toes develops an unnatural bend. Seeing hammer toe before and after pics can help you understand what’s possible with treatment. Let’s take a look.
Hammer toe correction: Seeing is believing
The best way to understand what hammer toe surgery can do is to see the results for yourself. Here are some visual examples of hammer toe correction.
Surgical correction
Before surgery, the photos show the bent, deformed joint that characterizes hammer toe.
After surgery, the photos show a straightened toe with improved alignment. See examples from Dr. Radovic’s hammer toe surgery gallery.
Minimally invasive procedures
Before minimally invasive surgery, the photos show the hammer toe in its pre-operative condition.
After minimally invasive surgery, the photos show a corrected toe with minimal scarring.
Types of procedures and expected outcomes
Hammer toe, claw toe, and mallet toe correction procedures can all result in improved toe alignment. However, the results depend on a few factors:
- Severity: How bad was the deformity before the procedure?
- Surgical technique: What kind of procedure did the surgeon use?
- Compliance: How closely did the patient follow post-op instructions?
Keep in mind that while surgery can improve the appearance and function of your toes, complete correction isn’t always possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my hammer toe from progressing?
You can take several steps to slow or halt the progression of hammer toe. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels is crucial to avoid cramping your toes. Orthotics or toe pads can redistribute pressure and provide support. Stretching and strengthening exercises for your toes can also help maintain flexibility. If these conservative measures aren’t enough, consult a podiatrist for further options.
What happens if you don’t treat hammer toe?
If left untreated, hammer toe can worsen over time. The affected toe can become increasingly rigid and painful, making it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. Calluses and corns may develop on the affected toe due to friction. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity and alleviate pain.
Can a hammer toe correct itself?
In the early stages, when the toe is still flexible, it might be possible to partially correct a hammer toe with conservative treatments like stretching exercises and toe splints. However, once the toe becomes rigid and the joint is fixed, it’s unlikely to correct itself without medical intervention. Surgery is often the only option for correcting a rigid hammer toe and restoring normal toe alignment.
In Summary
Before-and-after photos can give you a good idea of what to expect from hammer toe surgery. But remember that every case is different. So, to decide on the best treatment for you, talk with a podiatrist. Minimally invasive foot surgery is an option for some people with hammer toe.