Tuesday, April 22, 2014

3 Options for Fixing Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a condition in which the ligaments and bones of a toe adjust so that the tip of the toe points down rather than forward. Hammertoe correction surgery is typically saved for those cases that can not be resolved with other methods. Sometimes people are born with hammertoe, and sometimes it develops as a result of ill fitting shoes, bunions, or arthritis. The condition results in pain in the toe, development of calluses and corns, and difficulty fitting shoes.

A few non-invasive and fairly easy treatment options are available. If those don't fix the situation, surgery may need to be considered.


1.Wear shoes that fit
Common sense dictates that wearing shoes that fit correctly can help feet stay healthy. Providing the proper support and ample room for toes to stretch and not be cramped keeps the bones, tendons, and muscles in the toes able to function the way they were designed. With the restriction of shoes that are too small or don't have the proper support, foot conditions such as hammertoe can develop.

2. Corrective devices
Another option for those that suffer from hammertoe is to utilize corrective devices. This could mean easily purchased cushions, pads, or straps. These are all available over the counter at many stores. For more difficult cases, doctors that treat feet could also prescribe special splints to stretch the tendons and keep the toe straight to avoid hammertoe correction surgery.

3. Exercise
A variety of foot exercises can be used to correct hammertoe. A physical therapist that specializes in foot conditions can prescribe several exercises to use, directed at relaxing the tendons in the toe to allow it to cease the arching and point in the right direction. By performing the exercises regularly at home, the issue could be resolved.

If a variety of therapeutic and self-treatment methods don't work, a consultation with a doctor about further options could be necessary. Hammertoe correction surgery is an option for those that aren't able to resolve the problem otherwise.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you are interested in hammertoe correction surgery in the Seguin, TX, area, click here.

Is It Time for Bladder Suspension Surgery?

Bladder suspension surgery is a procedure in which a sagging bladder is put back where it belongs in the body. Due to injury, child birth, or other factors, a condition called stress incontinence could happen, causing the muscles along the pelvic floor to weaken. If that happens, the bladder leaks urine during coughs, sneezes, or laughs. The condition is common, but some may consider surgery to rectify the situation.


Medical professionals may recommend bladder suspension surgery if the symptoms are severe and affect the quality of life. Often, symptoms can be rectified through specialized exercises, medications, or electrical stimulation. Stress incontinence is more typical in women, but can happen to men if their prostate gland is removed. Common sense dictates to speak openly with your doctor to be sure the problem is stress incontinence, and not another underlying problem.

There are a few approaches that doctors may choose for bladder suspension surgery. Some are less invasive, but have less of a success rate. Others require cutting through the abdominal wall and require a hospital stay and more rigorous recovery time. Your doctor can explain the differences and which one is best for you, based on your health.

For most cases, the various forms of bladder suspension surgery are successful. There are a wide rage of side effects. Some issues can be expected immediately following surgery, and others can persist or develop after. The success of surgery is based generally on overall health, including nutrition, weight, age, and the amount of strenuous activity typically experienced by the patient.

Recovery from bladder suspension surgery depends on the type of procedure used. Some require general anesthesia and time in the hospital for recovery. Others can be performed in an outpatient clinic. No matter which procedure is selected, it is most important to follow all instructions from the doctor, in order to minimize post-surgery injury and promote healing.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you are interested in bladder suspension surgery options in the Seguin, TX, area, click here.