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That is a toe that curves upward and won't lay flat, and causes callous and sore points when you wear shoes.
Typically, it's the second toe and takes time to get so out of shape, but when it does, oh boy. The hammer toe on my left foot is so crooked that I cannot wear closed toe shoes. Flip flops are fine, but for the winter, what am I to do?
Saw the ortho podiatrist who suggested surgery, either a tendon release in the toe and placement of a pin. About 3-5 weeks off the foot, laying around (I am doing that anyway) and then getting the pin removed. Or I could just get the toe amputated, a much easier recovery and much less pain. I guess for an elderly person, many are opting for this method.
I really need some opinions. I hope some of you have had this problem and can tell me what you did. TIA
PS Lots of arthritis in my feet.
I know of some who have more than 1 hammer toe. My poor grandson is only 20 and has them and they seem to be from his father's side of family. I deal with arthritic feet but toes are OK, so so anyway. Prolozone could help this issue but not change the deformity.
That is a toe that curves upward and won't lay flat, and causes callous and sore points when you wear shoes.
Typically, it's the second toe and takes time to get so out of shape, but when it does, oh boy. The hammer toe on my left foot is so crooked that I cannot wear closed toe shoes. Flip flops are fine, but for the winter, what am I to do?
Saw the ortho podiatrist who suggested surgery, either a tendon release in the toe and placement of a pin. About 3-5 weeks off the foot, laying around (I am doing that anyway) and then getting the pin removed. Or I could just get the toe amputated, a much easier recovery and much less pain. I guess for an elderly person, many are opting for this method.
I really need some opinions. I hope some of you have had this problem and can tell me what you did. TIA
PS Lots of arthritis in my feet.
Oh boy do I! I haven't done anything about them other than wearing shoes with roomy toeboxes, paying attention and stretching the toes whenever I think about it. Luckily I've never needed to cram feet into dress shoes very often. Frankly, I wouldn't. I've worn various types of cushions and soft splints to re-align them. I know there are surgeries to release the tendon. If any of them get to the point they are very painful I'll look into it. A former supervisor had that surgery. It was quite successful for him. He was late 60s early 70s at the time.
Right foot toes 2,3 and 4. Left foot toe 3 with toe 2 starting. Went to podiatrist last year for a right foot problem. Still no solution. Tech told me to lay my toes flat for x-ray. Umm sure. I used my left foot to step on right side toes. Worked long enough for x-ray. She said she thought I was holding them up. Lol
In winter I have sneakers and yes its uncomfortable. Otherwise either barefoot or flip flops.
I'm guessing you saw either a podiatrist or an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist. They are not the same thing, so my first suggestion would be to see an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon if you are considering surgery. A podiatrist is not a physician and although some of them can be very good, many are not. I personally would not allow a podiatrist to do surgery on me, but I will say that a hammer toe is a pretty cut and dry and easy case and any good podiatrist can do it.
Surgery should always be tried after less invasive methods have failed and if and only if you are in pain that truly interferes with your life. If you feel you are at that point, maybe seek at least two opinions (perhaps one from a DPM and one from an Ortho). Sounds as though you already have one.
That is a toe that curves upward and won't lay flat, and causes callous and sore points when you wear shoes.
Typically, it's the second toe and takes time to get so out of shape, but when it does, oh boy. The hammer toe on my left foot is so crooked that I cannot wear closed toe shoes. Flip flops are fine, but for the winter, what am I to do?
Saw the ortho podiatrist who suggested surgery, either a tendon release in the toe and placement of a pin. About 3-5 weeks off the foot, laying around (I am doing that anyway) and then getting the pin removed. Or I could just get the toe amputated, a much easier recovery and much less pain. I guess for an elderly person, many are opting for this method.
I really need some opinions. I hope some of you have had this problem and can tell me what you did. TIA
PS Lots of arthritis in my feet.
Have you seen a podiatrist? My husband had a really bad one and it was causing exactly what you are describing. No doctor ever had an answer until we changed PC doctors. She recommended seeing a podiatrist just to getting some prescription for special shoes. Well, sure enough, the doctor took Xrays and it turned out his problem with a toe out of the socket. Minor surgery was all it took> Now his toe is flat and perfectly straight as well Give it a try at least. Hubby first saw our orthopedist and his advice was very invasive surgery; quite different from what the podiatrist recommended. What type of doctor did recommend surgery and how complicated is it going to be? I really don't think there is much else that can be done other than some form of surgery.
I trust this podiatrist, since he is in a group with ortho docs too. I haven't done anything yet. Contemplating the 6 week off my feet regime and how I could do that. I live alone, daughter is 90 miles away. One dog who demands a walk daily or will not poop. (stubborn old coot)
I just have been wrapping the toe or toes in foam pads so I can have a life. Thinking amputation might be easier. Just not ready to do it yet.
That is a toe that curves upward and won't lay flat, and causes callous and sore points when you wear shoes.
Typically, it's the second toe and takes time to get so out of shape, but when it does, oh boy. The hammer toe on my left foot is so crooked that I cannot wear closed toe shoes. Flip flops are fine, but for the winter, what am I to do?
Saw the ortho podiatrist who suggested surgery, either a tendon release in the toe and placement of a pin. About 3-5 weeks off the foot, laying around (I am doing that anyway) and then getting the pin removed. Or I could just get the toe amputated, a much easier recovery and much less pain. I guess for an elderly person, many are opting for this method.
I really need some opinions. I hope some of you have had this problem and can tell me what you did. TIA
PS Lots of arthritis in my feet.
Amputated? Seriously? The big toe is very important for balance and that seems especially important if you are older. Wow, and I wonder how well shoes fit with no big toe....and how will sandals look?
To me this seems like folks who just get a tooth pulled rather than fix it...all the other teeth start moving around...but it was easier?
Does your doctor actually recommend amputation? You'd better get the full story on ALL the implications.
Edit: Sorry, I see it is the second toe that is amputated, so you're not fixing the hammertoe just making room for it. The big toe doesn't hurt at all? It just needs room and otherwise is not an issue?
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