At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Hammer toe is a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toes, where the joint becomes permanently bent downward. This condition causes the toe to look like a hammer or claw. It can be caused by muscle imbalances, injury, or wearing tight shoes. When conservative treatments such as toe exercises, orthotics, or changing footwear fail to relieve pain, surgery may be recommended.

Hammer Toe Correction Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

Learn about Hammer Toe Correction surgery, its procedure, recovery time, and rehabilitation process. Find out how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can support your recovery after hammer toe surgery.

What is Hammer Toe?

Hammer toe is a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toes, where the joint becomes permanently bent downward. This condition causes the toe to look like a hammer or claw. It can be caused by muscle imbalances, injury, or wearing tight shoes. When conservative treatments such as toe exercises, orthotics, or changing footwear fail to relieve pain, surgery may be recommended.

Reasons for Hammer Toe Correction Surgery:

• Persistent pain or discomfort that interferes with walking or daily activities.

• Difficulty finding footwear that accommodates the deformed toes.

• Worsening of the deformity despite conservative treatments.

• Limited toe mobility or an inability to straighten the affected toe.

The Procedure

Preoperative Assessment:

• Before surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination, which may include an X-ray or MRI scan to assess the degree of the deformity.

• You will discuss your medical history and any other conditions that may affect your surgery or recovery.

During Surgery:

• Hammer toe correction surgery can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.

• The procedure typically involves releasing tight tendons or ligaments that are causing the toe to bend. In some cases, part of the bone may be removed, and the toe joint may be realigned.

• In severe cases, a fusion or joint replacement may be performed to provide more permanent correction.

• The surgery is often minimally invasive, with small incisions to reduce recovery time and scarring.

Postoperative Care:

• After surgery, your toe will likely be bandaged, and you may need to wear a special surgical shoe to protect the foot.

• Pain and swelling are common after surgery, but your surgeon will provide pain management strategies.

• The recovery process will include elevating the foot and limiting weight-bearing for the first few days or weeks.

• You will be instructed to avoid any high-impact activities that could strain the foot during the initial healing period.

Healing and Recovery Time

Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-2):

• During the first few weeks, you will focus on resting and protecting your foot. Elevating the foot regularly can help reduce swelling.

• You may need to wear a post-surgical shoe or a boot to protect the foot and keep it immobilized.

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

• As the swelling and pain subside, your surgeon will gradually allow you to bear weight on the foot and begin gentle mobility exercises.

• Physical therapy will be important to restore the range of motion in the toe and prevent stiffness.

Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

• Complete recovery from hammer toe correction surgery can take between 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of surgery performed.

• After the initial healing period, most patients can return to low-impact activities. High-impact exercises like running or jumping should be avoided until the foot is fully healed.

Rehabilitation After Hammer Toe Correction

Rehabilitation is key to ensuring a successful outcome after hammer toe correction surgery. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer tailored rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and function in the foot and toes.

Rehabilitation Phases:

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Prior to surgery, we can help prepare your foot by strengthening the muscles around the toe and improving overall foot flexibility. This helps minimize post-surgical complications.

2. Phase 1: Early Recovery (Weeks 1-6)

   • Initially, the focus will be on pain management, reducing swelling, and protecting the foot. Once the swelling reduces, gentle range-of-motion exercises for the toes will be introduced to prevent stiffness.

3. Phase 2: Strengthening & Mobility (Weeks 6-12)

   • As the healing process progresses, we will begin introducing strengthening exercises for the foot muscles, particularly those involved in toe function. Stretching and mobility exercises will help restore flexibility and prevent any complications from stiff joints.

4. Phase 3: Full Recovery & Return to Activity (3-6 Months)

   • Once the foot has healed sufficiently, we will gradually increase the intensity of rehabilitation exercises and assist you with returning to low-impact activities. Full recovery can take up to 6 months, and high-impact activities may be reintroduced at that time.

Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

• Our rehabilitation gym is equipped with a variety of machines and tools to assist with the recovery of the foot and ankle. We use manual therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation exercises, and stretching techniques to promote healing and improve overall foot function.

• We provide personalized rehabilitation programs to ensure that your recovery progresses safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to recover from hammer toe correction surgery?

• Full recovery typically takes 3-6 months, with significant improvements occurring in the first few weeks.

2. Can I walk after hammer toe surgery?

• You will be restricted from walking for the first 1-2 weeks to allow for initial healing. After that, you may gradually return to weight-bearing activities.

3. What can I do to manage swelling after surgery?

• Elevation of the foot, ice therapy, and compression will help manage swelling and encourage faster healing.

4. Are there any risks associated with hammer toe correction surgery?

• Risks may include infection, nerve injury, persistent pain, or a recurrence of the deformity. These risks are minimized by following proper surgical and post-operative care instructions.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in rehabilitation after hammer toe correction surgery, providing expert care to ensure a full and successful recovery. Our team of physiotherapists and exercise physiologistswill guide you through every phase of recovery, from the initial healing period to returning to normal activities.

We understand the importance of a customized approach to recovery and will work with you to develop a rehabilitation plan that targets your specific needs and goals.

Additional Resources:

For more information on Hammer Toe and its treatment options, including surgery, please refer to the following reputable Australian resources:

• Better Health Channel - Foot Conditions: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

• Podiatry Association of Australia - Hammer Toe Treatment: https://podiatry.org.au/

We look forward to assisting you with your recovery from hammer toe correction surgery. Book your appointment today with Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health!