Hammertoe is a deformity of the foot that happens when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight become imbalanced.

A number of different factors can contribute to the development of a hammertoe, including the shoes you wear, your foot structure, foot trauma, and certain diseases. Hammertoe gradually occurs in which the toe curls downward, resembling a hammer. In some cases of hammertoe, the toe remains flexible and may be corrected by balancing the soft tissue.

Reversing hammertoe

There are several steps you can take to attempt to reverse hammertoe in its early stages to reduce the likelihood of the condition worsening that your physician may recommend.

A hammertoe splint is one option your physician may recommend and can be used to keep the toe straight and to stretch out the tendons and ligaments of the foot, so they can resume their normal position and tension.

To attempt to decrease the discomfort or pain you may be feeling, you can use hammertoe pads, straps, or cushions, and these can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. You can also perform daily exercises which are intended to relax the tendons. Consult your physician or podiatrist for the most effective exercises and over the counter options to use for your condition.

Another step available to address hammertoe discomfort is to wear wide, roomy shoes that are not pointy or narrow, and allow plenty of room for tendons and ligaments to stretch out in the shoe.

These types of hammertoe treatments are generally effective in the early stages of hammertoe development. If the condition progresses over a longer period of time, surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity based on the diagnosis from your surgeon.

Historically, surgical treatment of hammertoe has either involved tendon rebalancing or fusion procedures. Now however, a new option is available that allows for streamlined tensioning of soft tissues through small incisions intended to address the root cause of the deformity.

The TenoTac® Soft Tissue Fixation System

The TenoTac® Soft Tissue Fixation System addresses the source of the problem, which are the tendons and ligaments at the bottom of the toe. During this process, a surgeon will manually straighten the toe, and then stabilize and tack the toe tendons in place. These two steps rebalance the toe and restore it to its original anatomic position.

Because only small surgical cuts are needed, visible scarring is minimized, and post-operative swelling may be reduced. The TenoTac® system provides a new approach to reverse the imbalance a hammertoe causes.

Important Risk Information

Only a surgeon can tell if the TenoTac® Procedure is right for you. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. Potential risks include but are not limited to infection, discomfort, or swelling due to balancing and introduction of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction. Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

For the contraindications, potential complications and adverse reactions, warnings and precautions associated with this device, please refer to the device specific instructions for use at https://www.paragon28.com/ifus.

For additional information on Paragon 28® and its products please visit www.paragon28.com.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/symptoms-causes/syc-20350839

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/mar/28/simple-steps-can-reverse-hammertoe/

https://www.extendorthopedics.com/2015/04/4-ways-to-reverse-hammertoe-without-surgery/