Flexor Tenotomy
What is it?
Flexor Tenotomy is a surgical procedure designed to treat foot and ankle deformities caused by tight tendons or joint capsules. These conditions often result in pain, limited movement, and difficulty walking. It is minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and is aimed at restoring normal function and relieving discomfort.
The prodedure involves releasing or cutting the tight flexor tendon and joint capsule that is causing the deformity. By loosening the tendon and releasing the joint capsule, we can help straighten the toes, restore flexibility, reduce pain associated with stiffness and restore normal alignment.
This procedure is highly effective in treating conditions such as hammertoes, claw toes, and contractures, and are typically recommended for patients whose conditions haven’t improved with conservative treatments. It is also minimally invasive and patients can typically resume normal activities almost immediately, which also helps provide greater correction.
What are the causes?
Flexor Tenotomy is most commonly used to treat deformities caused by muscle and tendon imbalances or joint capsule tightness in the foot. Common causes of these conditions include:
- Hammertoes: A condition where the toes bend abnormally due to tight flexor tendons, often aggravated by ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or arthritis.
- Claw Toes: When the toes curl downward due to an imbalance in tendon strength or joint capsule tightness, often seen in conditions like neuropathy, diabetes, or muscle weakness.
- Contractures: The shortening of tendons or joint capsules that limit the ability of the foot or toe to move freely. This can occur due to chronic inflammation, neurological conditions, or aging.
- Arthritis: Joint inflammation and degeneration can lead to stiffness and deformities in the foot joints, which may require surgical intervention to restore normal function.
- Diabetes: Diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation can contribute to muscle imbalances, which may lead to foot deformities like hammertoes or claw toes.
These conditions often result in pain, difficulty walking, and poor quality of life, especially if left untreated. Flexor Tenotomy can help by directly addressing the underlying causes of these deformities.
How can we help?
We can diagnose and treat foot deformities with a Flexor Tenotomy. Our goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and restore mobility for patients suffering from conditions such as hammertoes, claw toes, or contractures.
Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Diagnosis: We begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your foot and ankle, including physical exams and possibly imaging to evaluate the extent of your condition. This allows us to determine if Flexor Tenotomy is the right treatment for you.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: The procedures is performed under local anesthesia with small incisions, reducing recovery time and minimizing the risk of complications. Flexor Tenotomy targets the tendons and the joint capsules to restore proper movement.
- Personalized Care Plan: After surgery, we provide tailored post-operative care, including pain management, mobility exercises, and guidance on footwear. Follow-up appointments ensure that you’re healing well and getting the best possible outcome.
- Long-Term Relief: By addressing the root cause of your foot deformity, the Flexor Tenotomy offers lasting relief from pain and discomfort, allowing you to return to normal activities with greater ease and confidence.
If you’re struggling with foot pain, stiffness, or deformities that limit your ability to walk or function, Flexor Tenotomy may be the solution you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you regain pain-free mobility.