Expert Toe Deformity Correction Surgery in Morgantown, WV
Restoring Comfort with Toe Deformity Surgery
Painful, bent, or crooked toes can make every step a chore. Conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes not only affect the appearance of your feet but also cause significant pain, corns, and calluses by rubbing against your shoes. Finding comfortable footwear becomes a daily struggle, and activities you once enjoyed, like walking or running, may become impossible. When the joints in your toes become rigid and fixed in a bent position, conservative treatments often fail to provide lasting relief. Toe deformity correction surgery is a specialized procedure designed to straighten the toe, relieve painful pressure, and restore a more natural foot alignment.
For over 45 years, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been the leading provider of specialized foot and ankle care in Morgantown and North Central West Virginia. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic foot surgeons are experts in the surgical correction of all types of toe deformities. We are committed to delivering compassionate, patient-focused care that helps you get back on your feet without pain. Through our partnership with the advanced surgical facilities at Mon Health Medical Center, we use proven techniques to achieve excellent, lasting results.
You don't have to live with the daily pain of deformed toes. We offer faster appointment times than many large hospital systems.
What is toe deformity surgery, and how does it work?
Toe deformity surgery is a procedure performed to correct the alignment of a toe that has become bent and rigid. The specific surgical technique depends on the type and severity of the deformity. The primary goal is to straighten the toe to relieve pain and pressure. One common procedure is an arthroplasty, where the surgeon removes a small piece of the bone at the affected joint. This creates space, allowing the toe to be straightened. Another method is an arthrodesis, or joint fusion. In this procedure, the ends of the bone at the bent joint are removed, and the toe is straightened and held in place with a pin or screw, allowing the bones to heal together into a straight position. In some cases, a tendon release or transfer may also be performed to help rebalance the forces pulling on the toe. These procedures are highly effective at providing a permanent correction.
What conditions can toe deformity surgery treat?
Deformed toes surgery is designed to correct several common painful conditions affecting the smaller toes of the foot. The most frequent conditions treated include:
- Hammertoe: This is a deformity where the middle joint of the toe is bent downward, resembling a hammer.
- Claw Toe: This condition affects multiple joints, causing the toe to bend up at the joint where it meets the foot, and down at the middle and end joints, creating a "claw-like" appearance.
- Mallet Toe: This deformity affects only the joint nearest the tip of the toenail, causing it to bend downward.
All of these conditions can cause painful corns and calluses to develop on the tops of the toes or at the toe tip where they rub against footwear. Surgery is indicated when these deformities become rigid and fixed, and when non-surgical treatments like wider shoes, padding, and orthotics are no longer effective at managing the pain.
How do I know if I need toe deformity surgery?
You may be a candidate for toe correction surgery if you have a hammertoe, claw toe, or mallet toe that causes persistent pain and interferes with your daily life. The key factor is often the rigidity of the deformity. In the early stages, a bent toe may still be flexible and can be straightened manually. At this point, conservative treatment is usually sufficient. However, over time, the joints can become stiff and permanently fixed in a bent position. If you have a rigid deformity that causes painful corns, makes it difficult to find shoes that fit, and limits your ability to walk comfortably, it is time to consider a surgical solution. An evaluation by an orthopedic foot specialist is the best way to determine if surgery is the right option for you.
What is the recovery process like after toe deformity surgery?
Recovery after toe deformity surgery is relatively straightforward but requires a period of modified activity to allow for proper healing. The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will go home the same day. You will be given a special post-operative shoe or boot that allows you to walk while keeping pressure off the surgical site. Crutches may be needed for the first few days for balance. It is important to keep your foot elevated as much as possible for the first one to two weeks to control swelling. If a pin was used to hold the toe straight, it is usually removed in the office after a few weeks. Most patients can return to wearing a comfortable, wide sneaker within 4 to 6 weeks. A full recovery, including the resolution of all swelling, can take several months.
How much does toe deformity surgery cost?
The cost of toe deformity surgery can vary based on the specific procedure performed, the number of toes being corrected, your insurance plan, and facility fees. The total cost includes the foot surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, and the charges for the outpatient surgery center. Because painful, rigid toe deformities are a medical condition that impairs function, the corrective surgery is considered medically necessary. As such, it is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare. The experienced administrative team at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates can work with your insurance provider to verify your benefits and give you an estimate of any potential out-of-pocket costs before your procedure.
More Questions About Correcting Deformed Toes
Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic foot specialist at MOA?
No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with one of our expert foot surgeons. We offer direct access to our specialists so you can get an evaluation for your foot pain without a long wait.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment for toe deformity surgery?
At Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates, we are committed to providing timely care. We can often schedule new patient consultations much more quickly than larger hospital systems, helping you find a solution for your painful feet sooner.
What should I expect during a toe deformity surgery consultation?
During your consultation, an orthopedic foot surgeon will examine your feet, assess the flexibility of your toes, and check for corns or calluses. They will discuss your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. X-rays will be taken to evaluate the alignment of the bones and joints. Your surgeon will then explain the best surgical option for your specific deformity.
What are the risks of toe deformity surgery?
Toe deformity surgery is a safe and common procedure, but it carries the general risks of any surgery, including infection, bleeding, and nerve irritation. Specific risks can include stiffness of the toe, swelling that may last for several months, or recurrence of the deformity, although this is uncommon. Our expert surgeons take every precaution to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you in detail.