Hammertoe Treatment Options
A hammertoe is a deformity of the toes of the foot. It commonly affects the second toe, however any of the lesser toes can be involved. The toe may be curled downward instead of pointing straight. It also may bend at the joint and cause this area to stick upwards. These deformities can cause patients pain, especially when they are wearing enclosed shoes. We provide several hammertoe treatment options for our patients.
What Causes a Hammertoe?
Although a hammertoe can be present at birth, it usually develops over time, especially in adulthood. Arthritis, ill-fitting shoes, high heeled shoes, muscle imbalance, damage in middle joint, nerve damage and neurological conditions, trauma to the toe, high-arched feet and pressure from a bunion deformity of the big toe can all cause a hammertoe. There also may be a family history of developing hammertoes.
What are the Symptoms of Hammertoe?
In addition to having pain and irritation from the condition itself, a hammertoe can cause painful corns and calluses, blisters, open sores and difficulty walking. It can also make finding and wearing shoes difficult. All of these things can negatively affect a patient’s quality of life daily.
What Treatment is Available for Hammer toe?
Hammertoes are usually flexible and can be corrected by a podiatrist with simple treatment. However, if left untreated hammertoes can become fixed and rigid which may then require surgery to fix.
Fortunately, the condition is treatable and the physicians at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists provide a variety of treatment options for hammertoe. Finding the appropriate treatment begins with a comprehensive physical exam including x-rays, especially if you have had a bone, muscle or ligament injury to the toe.
Treatment options for hammertoe fall into two categories, conservative and surgical. The physicians at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists are trained in all aspects of treatment. Conservative treatment is always exhausted before considering surgery.
What Surgical Treatment Options are Available for Hammer toe?
Surgical treatment is aimed at straightening the toe. Keeping the toe straight might be as simple and minimally invasive as releasing the tight tendon in an office setting, or may require a fusion of the bones in the toe in an outpatient surgery setting.
What Conservative Treatment Options are Available for Hammer toe?
Conservative treatment includes padding, toe sleeves, toe strapping, inserts, avoiding tight or narrow shoes and instead wearing a shoe with a wide and deep toe box, shoe stretching and modification, and oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications and injections.
Why Choose Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists for the Hammertoe Treatment?
Whether it is conservative or surgical treatment you need, the highly trained physicians at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists will find the right solution for you to get back to a pain-free and with a higher quality of life. You be provided with top-quality comprehensive service from the moment you step through the door.