Hammertoe Surgery at Tidewater Orthopaedics for Patients in Hampton, Williamsburg & Newport News, VA

At Tidewater Orthopaedics, hammertoe surgery is performed by Dr. Paul Maloof, an experienced and fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) who emphasizes highly personalized care. With his exceptional surgical skills and compassionate demeanor, Dr. Maloof has earned the trust of countless patients from Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and communities throughout the state of Virginia.

The term “hammertoe” refers to a change in the middle joint of a toe that causes it to curve or bend downward (resembling an upside-down “V,” or hammer). This change can result from muscle imbalances that create excess pressure on the tendons and joints of the toes. Some common causes include wearing tight shoes, foot trauma, arthritis, and genetics.

Before recommending hammertoe surgery, Dr. Maloof will usually advise a patient to try one or more conservative treatments, which are generally guided by the patient’s discomfort level. Nonsurgical management of a hammertoe may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy (available onsite at our Hampton Roads clinic), cortisone injections, “buddy taping,” and custom shoe inserts. However, if severe or debilitating pain continues or worsens after non-operative treatment, Dr. Maloof may advise a patient to consider hammertoe surgery as an effective treatment method.

The goal of hammertoe surgery is to realign the affected toe to relieve pain and improve function. Depending on a patient’s specific needs, Dr. Maloof might recommend:

• Joint arthroplasty – Part of one of the small toe joints is surgically removed in order to create sufficient space to allow the toe to be straightened
• Joint fusion – After a toe joint is completely removed, the ends of the bones heal together to realign the toe
• Toe relocation – If the toe is buckled at the ball of the foot, this procedure may be performed along with joint arthroplasty or fusion surgery to reposition the joint and repair the ligament

Following hammertoe surgery, a patient must take special care to prevent the condition from recurring. While certain influential factors, like genetics and arthritis, cannot be controlled, other important behavioral aspects can. Most notably, a patient should always wear roomy, low-heeled shoes to reduce pressure on the toes.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Maloof to discuss hammertoe surgery and other possible treatments, contact Tidewater Orthopaedics – “The Specialist Group” – at (757) 276-3743. We see patients at both of our offices, which are conveniently located in Hampton and Williamsburg, VA.