Hammertoe is a toe deformity that occurs when the second, third, fourth or little toe become visibly bent, according to Foot Health Facts. The affected toe bends downward into a claw-like position. The condition may arise as a result of a muscle imbalance that changes foot structure over time. Poorly fitted shoes, a genetic predisposition or previous foot trauma may contribute to hammertoe. Mild cases of hammertoe can be treated non-surgically, but severe cases may require surgery to straighten the joint. Complications of hammertoe surgery are rare, but it is important to know the risks.
Pain and Swelling
Pain and swelling are common complications associated with hammertoe surgery, according to the website Premier Podiatry. Some pain and swelling is expected, but severe pain and inflammation that persists longer than a few days may signal an infection. Sometimes the nerves around the toes are accidentally injured during the surgery. Injured or damaged nerves can cause temporary or permanent nerve pain in the foot or toes. In addition, pain may also occur as excess fluid accumulates at the incision site and around the toe joints. Some people may experience worsening pain when the extra pressure from the inflammation irritates the tissue surrounding the toes. The pain and swelling typically subside with leg elevation and limited mobility immediately following the surgery.
Infection
Infection is a rare complication associated with hammertoe surgery, according to the website PodiatryNetwork.com. Infection can occur when the bacteria that resides on the surface of the skin enters the body through an incision, multiplies and travels throughout the body. The website MD Guidelines states that symptoms of an infection may include fever, chills, a yellow discharge around the wound, pain, tenderness, localized swelling, redness or heat around the incision site. An infection usually clears up fairly quickly with antibiotics, but in some cases intravenous antibiotics, hospitalization, a lengthy dose of oral antibiotics and/or bone removal surgery may be needed to stop the infection from spreading.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Some people may experience deep vein thrombosis following hammertoe surgery, reports Premier Podiatry. Deep vein thrombosis can occur when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body, causing reduced blood flow in that area. Immediately following hammertoe surgery, blood clots may form in the small blood vessels in the lower legs and thighs as a result of temporary immobility. Sometimes a blood clot breaks free from the blood vessel and travels throughout the body, affecting the heart and lungs. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may include warmth, redness and inflammation near the affected vein, according to Medline Plus. If the blood clot reaches the lungs or heart, it can cause a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke. Treatment may consist of elevation, increased fluids, moist heat, medication and movement to break up blood clots and prevent new ones from forming.
Floating Toe
A floating toe is a serious complication associated with hammertoe surgery, notes Premier Podiatry. A floating toe may occur when the affected toe bone has been surgically removed in order to relieve pressure on the toe joint and straighten the toe. Some people may experience a floating toe when the toe's flexor tendon cannot relax enough to allow the toe to lay flat on the ground.
A long-term complication associated with hammertoe surgery is the development of a mallet toe. A mallet toe can occur when the joint at the end of the toe is unable to completely straighten. Treatment may consist of wider shoes, anti-inflammatory medication and in some cases, crutches.
