Hammertoes

Hammertoe treatment in the Hunt County, TX: Greenville, Rockwall County, TX: Rockwall, Rowlett, Fate, Royse City, Heath, Collin County, TX: Plano, Wylie, Sachse, Frisco, Dallas County, TX: Dallas, Richardson, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, Lewisville, Rowlett (partial), Sachse (partial), Balch Springs, Seagoville, Denton County, TX: Lewisville, Flower Mound, The Colony, Highland Village, Denton, Tarrant County, TX: Grapevine areas

Hammertoes Treatment

What is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a progressive deformity that causes the toe to be stuck in a bent position rather than laying flat. The toe’s middle joint bends upward, while the end of the toe points downward, making the toe resemble the head of a hammer.

Hammertoes occur most frequently in the 2nd toe, although the condition can sometimes form in the 3rd and 4th toes as well. Women are more likely to have hammertoes than men.

The Causes of Hammertoe

An imbalance in the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of a toe are what causes it to be fixed in an unnatural, bent position. There are a variety of factors that cause this imbalance, which occurs over time:

• Tight footwear

• High heels

• Pointy shoes

• Genetics

• Injury

• Arthritis

• Old age

• Diabetes

Hammertoe Symptoms

While the hammertoe is developing, it will be flexible and have the ability to be straightened out. As the condition progresses, the toe becomes inflexible and then rigid. A variety of symptoms may be present, along with the telltale hammerhead resemblance. Other symptoms:

• A corn may form on the top of the affected joint

• It may be painful to wear shoes

• The affected joint may be swollen and red

• There may be limited movement of the toe

• It may be difficult or impossible for the toe to lie flat

• The ball of the foot may be painful under the affected toe

How a Podiatrist May Treat a Hammertoe

Treatment will vary, depending on how far along the condition is. A podiatrist may use either conservative or surgical techniques to treat a hammertoe.

Conservative (non-invasive) treatment. If the hammertoe is still flexible, a podiatrist may create custom orthotics and pads to redirect pressure and relieve pain. They will also provide guidance on changes in footwear and socks. Since the deformity is caused by an imbalance in tendons, muscles, and ligaments, the podiatrist may also suggest certain exercises and stretches to strengthen the feet and toes.

Surgical treatment. Once a hammertoe has become fixed in its bent position, surgery may be necessary to fix the deformity. There are a variety of procedures podiatric surgeons use to fix a hammertoe, including:

• Transferring tendons

• Lengthening tendons that have become contracted

• Replacing joints

• Removing the joint knuckle to allow space for the toe to straighten out

• Stabilizing the joint with pins

• Immobilizing the joint to help new bone growth

Since it is advisable to treat hammertoes while they are still flexible, make an appointment right away with your podiatrist for an examination and to go over your treatment options.

Hammertoes (FAQs)

What is hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a type of deformity in which the second, third, fourth, or pinky toes are bent downwards at the middle joint. This gives the toe a hammer-like shape, hence the name. In its early stages, a hammertoe may be flexible and can be straightened. Over time, the affected toe can lose its flexibility and become permanently fixed in a bent position.
What are the symptoms of hammertoe?
Other than its characteristic hammer-like shape, symptoms of a hammertoe may include pain, inflammation, redness, a burning sensation, joint stiffness, and corns and calluses on the affected toes. In severe cases, open sores can form on the toes as they rub up against your shoes. Symptoms may be mild at first but can get worse over time.
What causes hammertoe?
Hammertoe is typically caused by a muscle and tendon imbalance, which leads to the toe bending. This problem can be made worse by wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow, particularly in the toe area. In some cases, injury or trauma to the toes can lead to hammertoe. This condition can also be genetic.
Can hammertoe go away on its own?
Hammertoe can not go away without treatment. It typically gets worse over time, although the rate at which it worsens varies from person to person. Seeking treatment is important to stop or slow the progression, relieve symptoms, and - if needed - to straighten the affected toes.
What are the treatments for hammertoe?
In mild and moderate cases, especially if the affected toes are still flexible, conservative treatments are suggested. These can include footwear and activity modifications, wearing orthotics, and taking medications to relieve pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, where the affected toes have become very painful, rigid, or has open sores, surgery may be recommended.

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