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.
Hammer Toe Surgery
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, meaning 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.
