Hammer Toes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

Hammer toes is a condition affecting the feet, in which one of the toes points outwards or curls instead of buckling. The condition is more likely to affect women than men, owing to the type of shoes they wear. People with diabetes or circulatory disorders should see their orthopedic doctor at the first sign of the development of hammer toes, since the disorder can take a serious shape in these patients. Hammer toes can be flexible or rigid. The former indicate that the disorder is in its initial stage and can respond to various stages, while in the latter, the toe can no longer move, and usually needs surgery. 

Causes:

Hammer toes are caused by an imbalance in the toe muscles, which in turn, can be caused by:

• Toe injury- This commonly occurs due to ill-fitting shoes that are too tight, too pointy, or high-heeled. 
• Genetic- People with flat feet usually have a tendency to develop hammer toes, even though those with high-arched feet can also get the condition. 
• Arthritis

Symptoms:

• A toe that assumes an upside-down “V” shape usually indicates a hammer toe
• Pain, at the top of the toe and the heel of the foot, especially when wearing shoes
• Corns at the top of the affected toe joint
• Redness and inflammation 
• Difficulty in moving the toe joint- at later stages it might become impossible to move the joint 

Treatment:

The treatment begins with a thorough medical examination to determine if you really have a hammer toe. This includes an X-ray to determine the extent of the condition. The treatment options that are offered include:

• Medication to relieve pain and swelling 
• Podiatrist-recommended footwear and padded inserts
• Foot exercises to restore muscle balance
• Splinting the toe- this can help at early stages of the disorder
• Surgical procedures might be needed in certain cases of hammer toe. Our orthopedic surgeons are well experienced in performing these procedures, ensuring speedy recovery and minimal side effects. 

Prevention:

Hammer toes can be prevented by taking the following simple precautions:

• Check your feet regularly and see your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormality. An early diagnosis goes a long way in ensuring quick recovery in case of foot disorders. 
• Improve circulation to your feet through a foot massage, a warm foot bath, or simply putting your feet up while sitting. 
• Most importantly, wear well-fitted shoes. If one of your feet is bigger than the other, make sure that you fit your shoes to the bigger foot. 
• Do not buy tight shoes hoping they will get loose through wearing. Ideally, there should be at least 1.5 cm between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. 

Partial Knee Replacement In Irving TX

A partial knee replacement, also known as a Unicompartmental Knee Replacement, is a minimally-invasive procedure involving the replacement of either the medial (internal) or lateral (external) part of the damaged knee. An artificial implant, known as a Prosthetic, replaces the damaged tissue and bone. The patient is administered with general or local anesthesia before the surgery is performed.

The orthopedic surgeon makes an incision that is 3-5 inches long over the knee. This is followed by a medical examination in which the doctor rules out damage to more than one part of the knee, in which case total knee replacement is required. The damaged bone and tissue is then removed, after which the prosthetic is placed into the knee, and sealed with bone cement. Stitches are used to close the wound.

It is advisable to get the procedure performed by a renowned orthopedic surgeon in Irving TX to avoid any post-surgery complications. Arthritis pain is one of the most common causes for which patients need to undergo partial knee replacement. Your orthopedic doctor might recommend the surgery if your arthritis pain is severely limiting the quality of your life, and the pain is not responding to treatment.

The major advantages offered by partial knee replacement over complete knee replacement are a smaller incision, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Patients who might not be suitable candidates for partial knee replacement include patients under the age of 55, obese patients, and undergo intense physical activity. When performed in the right patient by an experienced Irving orthopedic surgeon, partial knee replacement shows highly positive results, with most patients not requiring revision for up to two decades.

Patient selection is a key factor in determining the success of partial knee replacement surgery. Even though most patients do not need to undergo any further surgery once the procedure is performed, in some cases, the patient might develop arthritis in other regions of the knee. This might result in the need for further surgery or even a possible conversion to total knee replacement surgery. This conversion is not uncommon, and the results are usually positive.

It is important to have a detailed discussion with your doctor prior to the surgery, and make sure that you understand the risk factors involved in your case. Potential complications that you might want to look into include infection, blood clots, and problems related to anesthesia.