Hammertoes

Hammertoes

When the knuckles of your toes 👣stick upward and are more prominent, the medical term is HAMMERTOE 🦶.

If a hammertoe hurts😖, it’s usually because the shoe rubs on the prominent knuckle. The reason to be concerned is that more problems can stem from this.

Some of the complications from hammertoes are open sores, infections🦠, stress fractures😣, and tendon or ligament tears.

As you can see, a simple bending of the toes 🦶can lead to complex problems. Unfortunately, there aren’t any splints that can help realign a bent toe 🦶. Don’t fall 🤦‍♀️ for ads that make this claim.

What you can do is make sure your shoes 👞👠👢👞🥾🥿 don’t rub on the prominent knuckles.

Without getting too technical, the cause of the problem is usually a tendon that is getting overworked.

The best solution to relax an overworked tendon is to use custom designed inserts (orthotics)👣. We have been able to help kids👧🏼👦🏽 and adults 👱🏼‍♂️👱🏼avoid major toe 👣deformities by making custom orthotics.

If a hammertoe is left untreated and becomes more deformed, surgery 🩺💉 may be the only option. If one or more of the knuckles of your toes 👣 are becoming prominent, it may be the sign of more serious things to come.

There is a simple solution to hammertoes 👣 if we have the opportunity to address them early enough.

We👨🏼‍⚕️are here to help you avoid 🚫any serious conditions related to your toes 👣bending.

To Straight Toes,

Dr. Rosales👨🏽‍⚕️

Learn More About Common Foot Issues in Flagstaff, AZ – Contact Us Today!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry topics, feel free to contact Flagstaff Foot Doctors by clicking here or by calling 928-774-4825.

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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