If you are considering having a hammertoe corrected surgically, your doctor will likely inform you that the procedure can be dangerous. Even though these types of surgeries can be considered minimally invasive, there are still risks to your health, including the risk that the procedure may not correct the problem.
First, your doctor should outline the different types of hammertoe surgeries and explain which one will be best for your condition. In most cases, hammertoe surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not have to stay at the hospital to recuperate.
Next, your doctor should explain the type of anesthesia he will use. If you have a flexible hammertoe, you may be able to undergo surgery with only a local anesthetic for the pain; if your condition is more advanced, you may need general anesthetic, which carries a higher risk of surgical complications.
It’s important to remember that no surgical procedures are completely safe. Even if the procedure is successful, you may still experience a range of hammertoe surgery side effects, including:
- Pain. Your foot may swell, ache, or give you stabbing pains for a long period after surgery.
- Limited range of motion. If your toe joint was fused in surgery, you may be permanently unable to bend it.
- Nerve injury. You may experience numbness or tingling in the toes during healing.
- Infection. Any surgery that breaks the skin carries a risk of deep tissue infection, which can be fatal if not treated early.
- Deformity recurrence. While surgery can correct a hammertoe, there is no guarantee the condition will not return.
If you have questions about hammertoe surgery options, the podiatrists at HealthMark Foot & Ankle Associates can help. Call us today at 610-565-3668 in Media or at 610-933-8644 in Phoenixville to set up your first consultation.