What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a common orthopedic deformity characterized by the permanent bending of your second, third, and fourth toes. The condition typically gets worse over time, especially if you often wear tight, closed-toe shoes. When hammertoe first develops, it’s easy to treat and correct with simple changes, like wearing looser footwear or using custom orthotics. Eventually, the toes become rigid in their flexed position and require surgery to correct. 

What are the symptoms of a hammertoe?

Hammertoe affects everyone differently, but common symptoms include:

• Corns on top of the toe
• Redness or swelling at one or more toe joints
• Pain in the ball of the foot
• Pain in the affected toe
• Pain caused by wearing certain types of shoes

If you have a hammertoe, you might also find it difficult to wiggle, move, or bend your affected toe. 

How does hammertoe correction work?

At the Center for Foot and Ankle Restoration, the team provides several corrective surgical options to treat rigid hammertoe. They can also perform bunion surgery and other deformity corrections at the same time. Your hammertoe correction might involve:

Joint resection

During a joint resection, your surgeon cuts the ligaments and tendons keeping your toes bent. They may also add temporary pins to hold your toes straight as they heal.

Tendon transfer

If your hammertoe is still mildly flexible, your surgeon may take a nearby tendon and pull it across the top of your hammertoe. Such a tendon transfer can hold your toe straight to relieve hammertoe pain and restore your foot’s appearance.

Fusion

During a fusion, your surgeon removes parts of the bones, ligaments, and tendons in your toe joints. They use pins to hold your toes straight and encourage the bones to fuse together. 

Dr. Hopkins is a Board Certified Podiatrist specializing in foot trauma and fracture care, podiatric surgery, sports medicine, wound care, and regenerative medicine. He works in the hospital on all foot traumas, as well as in his community clinic prescribing orthotics to help peoples feet, performing nail surgery, sports medicine and injury, and diabetic care. 

"I am excited to be able to help build a program in partnership with Palmdale Regional Medical Center. We are creating a specific goal in preventing amputations and offering hope combined with cutting edge technology to prevent amputations or hospitalizations. Our goal is to provide improved limb preservation to everyone in the Antelope Valley" Said Dr. Kyle Hopkins.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

No, you can self-refer to any of our podiatrists. However, your insurance carrier may require a referral before covering appointments and treatments. Check with your insurance company to understand your specific benefits.

Dr. Hopkins practices at 42135 10th St West, STE 101, Lancaster, CA 93534 or at 26357 McBean pkwy, STE 255, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

To learn more about what your local podiatrist Dr. Kyle Hopkins can offer, click on the following www.avorsmedgroup.com/foot-and-ankle-specialists

To learn more about Dr. Kyle Hopkins, click on the following www.avorsmedgroup.com/Kyle-Hopkins

Call us at 661-726-5005 to schedule a consultation!