

The toe is typically bent at the middle joint so it resembles a hammer. To learn more about what to expect when you undergo foot surgery, please visit our surgery prep and recovery page.What exactly is a Hammer Toe? And why is it called that?Ī hammer toe is a deformity of your second, third or fourth toes. As with CVT, this is typically undergone between ages nine months and one year. In some cases, surgery, followed by bracing, is recommended. This typically involves stretching, casting, and bracing. In the case of clubfoot, nonsurgical correction is common. During the procedure, the surgeon manipulates the bones into their proper positions, securing them with pins. This is normally done at between ages nine months and one year. In the case of CVT, surgery is the most common form of correction. If left uncorrected, both can lead to a lifetime of pain and immobility. Correction of Congenital Vertical Talus and ClubfootĬlubfoot and congenital vertical talus (CVT) are deformities of the foot that are present at birth and can even be diagnosed via ultrasound while the child is still in the womb. This can range from drug therapy and immobilization to custom footwear or surgery. Treatment of flatfoot depends on how far the condition has progressed. The condition often worsens over time, causing the tendon to become rigid and resulting in painful arthritis that can permanently hinder walking. Because the posterior tibial tendon helps hold up the arch, when it is damaged, the arch falls, causing what is commonly called a “flat feet” or, sometimes, “fallen arches.” Flat foot can result in pain and weakness and can be caused by obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, trauma, and other factors. Flatfootįlatfoot (sometimes called adult flatfoot or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction) occurs when the tendon that connects the calf to the bones on the inside of the ankle stretches, tears, or becomes inflamed. In some cases, surgery is required to correct the deformity. Conservative approaches include the use of orthotics and more appropriate shoes. Contrary to popular belief, the “bump” on the side of the foot indicating a bunion isn’t an enlargement of the bone underneath rather, it is typically just the head of the first metatarsal bone that has simply tilted sideways. While some experts believe bunions are caused by improper footwear, others believe they are a genetic condition that is exacerbated by poor footwear. BunionsĪ bunion occurs when the big toe deforms and angles permanently towards the second toe, causing redness, irritation, and pain in the area. In severe cases, however, orthopedic surgery may be required.

Hammertoe can usually be treated simply by wearing proper footwear with ample toe room. Forcing the toes into a too-small shoe causes them to bend, becoming permanent over time. Hammertoes are most often caused by the repeated wearing of poorly fit footwear such as high heels or shoes that are too short or narrow. Hammertoe is a deformity of the toe joints that causes the toes to bend permanently, resembling a hammer. When the foot or ankle is injured, it often requires highly specialized treatment to restore maximum function and movement. Our feet and ankles are highly complex structures that work in unison to help support our body weight allow us to stand, walk, or run and move and flex in a variety of ways. The human foot and ankle contains more than 100 bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments, and forms 33 joints. That means your foot condition will be treated by a team whose experience is virtually unmatched in Marquette, the surrounding Upper Peninsula, and throughout Northern Michigan. The Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery has been treating foot and ankle issues for more than three decades. Hammer Toe, Bunions, Flatfoot, Clubfoot, & Congenital Vertical TalusĪt the Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, several of our orthopedic surgeons specialize in the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, club feet, and the congenital foot deformities, including Dr.
