Hammer Toe Treatment in Los Angeles

Hammer Toe Treatment in Los Angeles

Dr. Soomekh believes that early diagnosis and treatment of hammer toes are the keys to successful treatment, faster recovery, and a painless lifestyle.

Conservative Treatment Options

For mild cases, non-surgical treatments can relieve discomfort and slow the progression of hammer toe:

• Wearing properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box
• Protective padding to reduce friction and pressure
• Custom orthotics to correct foot imbalances and prevent worsening
• Toe braces and splints to improve alignment
• Anti-inflammatory medications and ice therapy to reduce swelling

Surgical Treatment for Hammer Toe

Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent pain and severe deformities. Dr. Soomekh, the best hammer toe doctor in Los Angeles, offers minimally invasive outpatient procedures that focus on precision and long-term results.

Mild Hammer Toe: Arthroplasty

In some mild cases of hammer toe, a simple removal of half the joint (arthroplasty) is sufficient. This procedure will allow for a faster recovery. However, there is an increased chance of recurrence and an unstable, “floppy” toe after surgery. When performed, an arthroplasty is usually reserved for the correction of a fourth or fifth hammer toe. This procedure used to be the gold standard for hammer toe correction, yet Dr. Soomekh’s research and experience have shown that a fusion of the toe joint achieves better, long-lasting results.

Mild To Moderate Hammer Toe: Second, Third, Fourth Toes

A small, special incision is made on the top of the toe at the knuckle, removing any extra skin or callus. The joint is removed at the level of the knuckle, giving room for the toe to straighten. The two bones (middle and proximal phalanx) are joined together by an internal screw. The bones are allowed to fuse into one. The screw holds the bones in their new corrected position while the bone heals. Once the bone heals, the screw is not needed and is generally not removed. If the toe is slightly elevated or deviated at the level between the toe and the foot, a small incision will be made at the level of the joint to release the tight ligaments, bringing it level. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques.

Moderate To Severe Hammer Toe: Second, Third, Fourth Toes

When there is a more rigid deformity, the forces acting to deform the toe are stronger. This demands more steps to get them straight. The steps mentioned above are performed. A longer incision is made over the toe and the toe joint to the foot. The major ligaments around the toe and the long bone (metatarsal) are released step by step until the toe is straight. The tendon that brings the toe upwards may be lengthened. If the toe is still not fully corrected, the pressure at the level of the toe and the long bone may be too great. The long bone may need to be shortened to decompress the joint and allow for the toe to float down in the joint. A precision cut is made at the head of the metatarsal (osteotomy). This bone is now slid back, shortening it under the original bone closer, reducing the pressure in the joint. This bone is then stabilized with one small screw. The screw holds the bone in its new corrected position while the bone heals. Once the bone heals, the screw is not needed and is generally not removed.

Dr. Soomekh prefers to use internal fixation (a screw) into the toe in order to eliminate the need for a pin protruding from the toe during recovery. This lessens the chance of infection and pain during recovery.

When further correction is needed, a tendon transfer may be warranted. One of the tendons that flexes the toe downward will be rerouted to the top of the toe to act as an internal strap and brace, keeping the toe straight in the joint. In these cases, a pin is needed to support the toe during healing. This pin must protrude from the end of the toe and is removed simply in the office, four to six weeks after surgery. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques.

Fifth Toe Hammer Toe: Arthroplasty

A hammer toe of the fifth toe usually presents with a large painful callus and a rotated toe. A small, angled, double incision is made over the top of the toe at the knuckle, removing any extra skin or callus. A precision bone cut is made to eliminate half the joint by removing the head of the toe bone (proximal phalanx). Dr. Soomekh will close the special incision using plastic surgery techniques; when the skin is brought together, the toe will rotate into a correction.

Mallet Toe

When just the end of the toe is flexed downwards, a simpler surgery is performed. A very small incision is made on the bottom of the toe. The tight tendon and ligaments holding the toe down are cut. Dr. Soomekh will then close the skin using plastic surgery techniques.