Are you struggling with hammertoes or toe pain?
Hammertoes often start with mild discomfort—like cramping in your shoes or soreness after long walks—but over time, they can become much more serious. If left untreated, hammertoes can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even open wounds or sores on the toes. These wounds are often caused by constant friction or pressure where the deformed toe rubs against your shoe, especially in advanced stages of the condition.
If you’re in the Kansas City area and suffering from hammertoe-related pain or wounds, the good news is that lasting relief is possible.
Dr. Joel Foster, a double board-certified podiatric surgeon with over 25 years of experience, specializes in treating hammertoes and related foot conditions with minimally invasive surgical techniques. These procedures are designed to correct the underlying deformity permanently, without the long recovery times and discomfort typically associated with traditional surgery.
What Causes Hammertoes? Why They Worsen and When to Act
Hammertoes form when an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments causes the toe to bend abnormally at one or more joints. This “hammered” shape can lead to pressure points, corns, calluses, and even open wounds—especially when the toe rubs against shoes.
While conservative treatments like roomy shoes or orthotics can reduce pain and slow progression, they cannot reverse the deformity. The only way to permanently fix a hammertoe is to correct the structural problem, which is where minimally invasive surgery comes in. This modern approach offers faster healing, less discomfort, and a long-term solution to both the deformity and the complications it causes.
If you're noticing changes in toe shape, ongoing pain, or signs of skin damage, it's time to consider treatment. Early care can prevent further issues and help restore comfort and mobility.
Comparing Traditional Hammertoe Surgery and Minimally Invasive Options
Traditional hammertoe surgery typically involves joint fusion or joint resection—procedures that require large incisions, hardware (like pins or screws), and longer recovery times. While often effective, they can also be more painful and carry a higher risk of complications.
Dr. Foster takes a different approach. With minimally invasive surgery (MIS) available right in our office, many patients can avoid the challenges of traditional surgery. Depending on your needs and preferences, the procedure can be performed either in our in-office surgical suite or at the hospital.
Why Minimally Invasive Surgery May Be Right for You
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery
Compared to traditional procedures, minimally invasive hammertoe surgery offers several key advantages:
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Lower risk of complications. Smaller incisions reduce the chance of infection and healing problems.
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Less pain and swelling. Patients experience reduced post-operative discomfort and scarring.
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No hospital stay required. procedures can be done either in our in-office surgical suite or at the hospital—depending on what works best for you.
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Faster recovery. Most patients return to daily activities much sooner than with traditional surgery.
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More affordable. Compared to traditional hammertoe correction surgeries, which typically cost between $5,000 and $10,000, Dr. Foster’s in-office, minimally invasive procedure is just $795.
Many patients are surprised to learn they can walk out the door just 45 minutes after the procedure, and get back to their lives far more quickly than expected.
Direct Care That Puts Your Needs First
At our practice, we believe your healthcare decisions should be made by you—not your insurance company. That’s why we operate on a direct care model that puts the control back in your hands. You’ll get transparent pricing, personalized treatment options, and the freedom to choose the care that best fits your goals and budget.