TOE PROBLEMS
Corns, Hammered Toes, Mallet Toes
Toe deformities and corns are a common source of pain and disability that may be present from birth or develop later in life. They come in a variety of forms. In most cases pain arises because the toe(s) become mis-shapen leading to pressure and friction from footwear on the skin producing corns. At an early stage the deformity may be flexible but in time it will tend to stiffen and arthritis may develop
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The problem toe will be dealt with by removing a section of joint in order to reduce the prominence. The toe will be repaired in a realigned position. The toe may not be completely straight but will be improved. The toe may remain slightly swollen for some months after the operation.Arthrodesis When the toe is very unstable, the problem toe will be dealt with by removing both sections of joint in order to allow the toe to straighten, and reduce the prominence. The toe will be repaired in a realigned position. The toe may not be completely straight but will be improved (No more corns). The pin is usually removed one month after the operation or sooner if it loosens or causes a problem. The toe may remain slightly swollen for some months after the operation. * If an arthrodesis with external pin fixation is used this will obviously make it difficult to return to normal footwear until the pin is removed (usually at about 4 weeks).
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TOES
Click on my Surgical Information Pack for Further Details (Word Document)
