Hammertoe Help
A condition that we frequently treat at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle is hammertoe. Many patients can identify this toe deformity by its namesake bending downward at the first or second joint, resembling a hammer, but don’t necessarily know what can be done to fix it. Although initially, it may just be that the toe looks odd, this can become a painful and debilitating condition as time goes on.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes are a muscle/tendon imbalance that allows the toe to move out of its normal position. This problem, however, can be brought on by several different causes, including:
Heredity
Wearing high heels or shoes that are too short in the toe box causing the toe to curl under in response to being pushed up against the front of the shoe
A past injury or trauma to the toe
Arthritis
Diseases that affect the nerves or muscles, such as stroke
Hammertoe Treatments
Hammertoes are a progressive condition. Initially, the toe may tend to bend under but remain fairly flexible and able to be flattened into the correct position. As time goes on, however, the toe will become more rigid and stuck in the bent position. It can cause corns and calluses to form due to friction from shoes on the abnormally bent toe. It can also make walking painful. As soon as you notice your toe starting to bend in an abnormal position, you can contact us for an appointment by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine your toe and may order in-office digital x-rays to get a complete picture of the deformity.
The foot doctor will then decide on the appropriate treatment, depending on the deformity's severity and how rigid the toe has become in the bent position. Conservative treatments include taping or splinting the toe, wearing shoes with roomy toe boxes, and possibly a custom orthotic to help control the muscle/tendon imbalance. If these measures prove ineffective, we offer minimally invasive surgery, which can permanently correct your hammertoe.
If you are suffering from a hammertoe, don't delay. Contact us today for more information.