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Hammer toes can cause issues like stiffness, calluses, difficulty moving, and swelling. If a hammer toe is left untreated, the joints and tendons in the toe can tighten and freeze in place. Dr. Gary Driver provides personalized hammer toe treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist with extensive experience in providing surgical and non-surgical treatment for hammer toes. Book an appointment today to begin your journey to recovery.

What is a Hammer Toe?

Hammertoe Treatment in Forth Worth & Weatherford, TX

Hammer toe is a condition where the toe bends at an unnatural angle at the middle joint. It makes your toes look like a claw or curved hammer, hence the name. The condition most often affects the second, third, and fourth toes and causes pain and difficulty moving the affected toe or toes. Dr. Gary Driver uses a personalized approach to treat hammer toe. He provides non-surgical and surgical treatment depending on the severity of the condition.

Symptoms of Hammer Toe

The main symptoms of hammer toe include:

Visible Toe Deformity

One of the most obvious symptoms of hammer toe is the curling or bending of the toe at the middle joint, which gives the toe a hammer-like appearance. 

Pain or Discomfort

If you have a hammer toe, it can cause pain when you wear shoes, as the affected toe may rub against your footwear. It can also lead to irritation or discomfort while doing simple activities such as standing or walking.

Corns and Calluses

Hammer toe can cause abnormal friction with footwear and the ground, leading to the development of calluses or corns on your toe. When you have corns or calluses, thick, hardened skin develops and can cause discomfort during daily activities.

Stiffness

As hammer toe progresses, the affected toes will become difficult to move. Over time, the condition can interfere with your mobility and make it impossible to straighten your toe. 

Swelling and Redness

If your toe is in an abnormal position for too long, it can cause inflammation, swelling, and redness. This irritation can also make your toe feel tender and interfere with daily activities. 

Causes of Hammer Toe

Hammer toe can be caused by underlying health conditions and certain lifestyle choices. Some of the most common causes of hammer toe include:

Imbalanced Toe Muscles

If your toe muscles are unable to work together, it can strain the joints and tendons in the toe. This muscle imbalance can cause the toe to curl and freeze in place over time. 

Improper Footwear

Wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight and narrow can lead to hammer toe. High heels tend to push your toes forward and leave insufficient space for natural toe movement. Over time, this excessive pressure can cause the toes to assume a bent shape that may become permanent.

Genetic Predisposition

People with high arches or flat feet are at a greater risk of developing hammer toes, as these conditions can place more pressure on the toes. Some people are genetically predisposed to develop certain foot problems that can lead to hammer toe.

Arthritis 

Arthritis causes stiffness and inflammation in the joints and can affect the small joints in your toes. This stiffness can cause the toes to assume unnatural positions and result in hammer toe. 

Injuries

Trauma from injuries such as a fractured toe, a stubbed toe, or a sprained toe can cause a hammer toe to develop. Allowing toe injuries to heal properly can prevent muscle and tendon damage and decrease the likelihood of developing hammer toe. 

Neuromuscular Conditions

Conditions affecting the nerves and muscles, such as multiple sclerosis, can weaken your toes and imbalance their regular alignment, resulting in hammer toe. 

Age-Related Changes

As you age, the tendons, muscles, and joints in your toes will start to weaken. For this reason, elderly people are more likely to develop hammer toe. 

Treatment for Hammer Toe in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX

Since 2021, Dr. Gary Driver has been providing reliable surgical and non-surgical treatment for hammer toe in his Fort Worth and Weatherford clinics. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist who prioritizes patient-centered care. His treatment methods for hammer toe include:

Nonsurgical Treatment

Dr. Gary Driver will always opt for nonsurgical treatment when possible. Nonsurgical treatment is meant to reduce discomfort and improve mobility without invasive procedures. Some of the nonsurgical treatment options Dr. Gary Driver may recommend include:

Footwear Adjustments

You may need to switch to shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes more room to move. Wearing flats instead of heels can also reduce the pressure on your toes and decrease pain, preventing your condition from getting worse. 

Orthotic Devices

Dr. Gary Driver may recommend custom shoe inserts and toe pads to provide you with support. These orthotic devices can help realign your toe by evenly distributing the pressure across your toes. Using orthotic devices can minimize your discomfort while carrying out daily tasks.

Toe Exercises

Dr. Gary Driver may recommend simple exercises, such as toe scrunches, to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your toes. If you are still able to unbend your toe, targeted stretches and exercises can be quite effective in treating hammer toe. 

Pain Management

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and ice packs can reduce swelling and ease pain. Pain management is a temporary fix that can be used alongside long-term treatment options.

Surgical Treatment

If nonsurgical treatment fails to address the condition, Dr. Gary Driver may suggest surgical intervention. Depending on the severity of your condition, he will recommend a tendon transfer, joint resection, or fusion to straighten your hammer toe. These procedures aim to alleviate discomfort and restore function permanently. 

What Should I Expect After Hammer Toe Surgery?

Dr. Gary Driver will provide you with a recovery plan following your procedure. Aftercare will likely include:

  • Pain Medication: You will be prescribed pain-relieving medication to reduce your discomfort once the operation is complete. 
  • Ice Therapy: You may need to apply ice to the surgical site to reduce swelling.
  • Rest: You will be instructed to keep your foot elevated for a couple of weeks after surgery to prevent swelling. You will also need to limit your activity to avoid straining the surgical site.
  • Wound Care: Dr. Gary Driver will instruct you on how to ensure that your surgical site is clean and dry throughout the healing process. You will also need to monitor the surgical site for signs of infection. 
  • Physical Therapy: Once your toe has healed enough that you can put weight on it, Dr. Gary Driver may recommend strengthening exercises and stretches to improve your toe’s range of motion. 

Benefits of Hammer Toe Treatment

Treating hammer toe early on can prevent complications and ensure a fast recovery. Here are some of the benefits of getting hammer toe treatment:

Pain Relief

Dr. Gary Driver can provide tailored hammer toe treatment to help you manage pain and discomfort. His treatment methods can enable you to go about your daily routine without being distracted by pain and irritation. 

Improved Toe Alignment

Hammer toe treatment can restore your toe’s natural position and improve the appearance of your feet. Improved toe alignment can prevent complications like calluses and corns from developing. 

Enhanced Mobility 

By treating hammer toe, Dr. Gary Driver can help you get back to doing everyday activities, like walking and running, with ease. His personalized treatment can help you regain your balance and reduce the strain on your muscles and joints.

Why Choose Dr. Gary Driver for Hammer Toe Treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX?

Dr. Gary Driver is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist with extensive experience treating hammer toe. Here’s why Dr. Gary Driver should be your first choice for hammer toe treatment:

Advanced Treatment Techniques

Dr. Gary Driver uses the latest technology and minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat his patients. He stays up-to-date on the most recent advances in foot and ankle treatment to provide patients with outstanding care. 

Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Gary Driver prioritizes patients' comfort and provides personalized hammer toe treatment. He ensures that his treatment plans align with his patients' needs and goals.

Convenient Locations

With clinics in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX, Dr. Gary Driver’s patients can easily access medical care close to home. You can schedule an initial consultation at whichever location is closest to you. 

Award-Winning Service

Dr. Gary Driver’s expertise in treating complex foot and ankle issues has made him a trusted specialist in the DFW area. He has been voted Top Doc by his physician peers multiple times since opening his practice in 2021. 

Fellowship-Trained Foot Surgeon

As a fellowship-trained foot surgeon, Dr. Gary Driver specializes in providing surgical treatment for hammer toe and other foot-related conditions. He completed his fellowship training at one of the nation's best programs. When you opt for his services, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does hammer toe treatment cost in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX?

The cost of hammer toe treatment differs depending on various factors, such as:

  • The type of treatment required
  • The severity of the condition
  • The number of follow-ups required
  • Whether or not you have insurance coverage

You can contact Dr. Gary Driver’s office for a cost estimate for hammer toe treatment in Fort Worth, TX.

Does insurance cover hammer toe treatment?

Some insurance providers will cover hammer toe treatment if it is medically necessary. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage details for hammer toe treatment.

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

It can take several weeks to recover from hammer toe surgery, though recovery times vary from one individual to the next. If your occupation requires you to stand and walk, you will need to take some time off work while you recover from the procedure.

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  • Fax: (817) 336-2504