One Stitch Solutions for Bunions and Hammertoes

Bunions and hammertoes are common foot deformities that can cause significant pain, limit your choice of shoes, and make walking a chore. Many people dread the thought of traditional surgery, which requires lengthier recoveries and a risk of complications. But what if there was a less invasive way to find relief? In this post, Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute will show how far podiatry has progressed with treatment for these foot deformities by exploring “one stitch” options, which are both minimally invasive and powerfully effective.

Understanding the Problems: Bunions and Hammertoes Defined

  • Bunions (Hallux Valgus): A bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle inward towards the second toe.This is often caused by heredity or ill-fitting shoes, although foot mechanics also play a role.
    • Pain Points: Beyond the visible bump, bunions cause swelling, redness, soreness, and even the formation of corns and calluses where toes overlap.
  • Hammertoes: A bending deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.
    • Pain Points: Painful corns can form where the bent toe rubs against the shoe. Untreated hammertoes can become stiff or permanently fixed in the bent position.

Traditional Treatments vs. Minimally Invasive

Traditionally, both bunion and hammertoe correction often involved extensive surgery, requiring large incisions, bone cutting, and significant recovery periods. While those methods have been effective in some cases, patients might express concerns about:

  • Long Recovery: Weeks or even months off their feet.
  • Significant Pain: Post-operative pain requiring strong medication.
  • Time Off Work: Extended absence from work and daily activities.
  • Scarring: Potential for visible, and sometimes painful, scarring.

A Gentler Approach

Bunion Correction: Dr. Michaels offers outpatient bunion surgery options. These procedures offer many improvements over more traditional or invasive surgery, such as:

  • Smaller Incisions: Less tissue disruption and faster healing.
  • Faster Recovery It may be possible to walk out of the operating room after the operation and recovery time is significantly reduced.
  • Less Pain: Many patients experience minimal post-operative pain.
  • Reduced Scarring: Smaller incisions typically result in less noticeable scarring.

Hammertoe Correction: For flexible hammertoes, a tenotomy/capsulotomy can be a game-changer.

  • Office Procedure: This procedure can often be performed right in the office under local anesthesia.
  • How it Works: A small amount of anesthetic is used, and then a tendon, or multiple tendons, along with the joint capsule, are cut.
  • Immediate Results: The toe often straightens immediately.
  • Minimal Downtime: Patients can typically walk immediately and require little to no time off work.
  • Long Lasting Results: Releasing these contracted structures often has benefits that will last a lifetime.
  • Covered by Insurance: This procedure is covered by insurance.

For rigid hammertoes, more extensive procedures might be necessary, but even then, minimally invasive techniques can often be used. Procedures to correct a hammertoe may include removing a small piece of bone or lengthening shortened tendons. In some cases, it may also be necessary to shorten the metatarsal bones.

Post-Operative Care: Back on Your Feet Faster

Even with minimally invasive procedures, proper post-operative care is essential. This may include:

  • Wedge Shoe: A special surgical shoe that protects the foot and allows for weight-bearing.
  • Rest and Elevation: Minimizing swelling and promoting healing.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Monitoring your progress and ensuring proper healing.

Bunions and hammertoes don’t have to dictate your life. If you’re struggling with either issue, we can help, from “one stitch solutions” to footwear that suits your unique needs.  

Like Dr. Michaels says:

“If it’s below the knee, think of me!”

Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC offers comprehensive podiatric services. Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.