What is a Hammertoe?

A hammertoe is a foot deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.

This can happen when there is an imbalance in the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that normal hold the toe straight. When one of the toe muscles becomes weak, this puts pressure on the tendons and joints of the toe. Because of the pressure, the toe becomes misshapen.

If left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid. In the early stages, pressure and pain may be relieved through change your footwear or by wearing  special shoe inserts. However, these mild deformities can get progressively worse over time and without proper treatment, these become more rigid.

The common symptoms of hammertoes are

• Abnormal bend in the toe joint
• Pain in the affected toe
• Corns and calluses on the toe, thickening of the skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Contracture of the toe
• Open sores in more severe cases

There are several treatment options for hammertoe. This will depend on the severity of the hammertoe as well as other factors.

• Changes in footwear – choose roomier and more comfortable shoes, avoid pointed shoes and high-heeled shoes
• Custom orthotics – to help control the imbalance in muscle/tendon
• Padding corns and calluses – to shield corns from irritation.
• Medications – to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Splinting – to realign the bent toe.

In cases where the hammertoe has become very rigid and painful, surgery is needed. Depending on the extent of the deformity, the ankle surgeon will perform the best procedure or combination of procedures.

For more information, contact Dr. Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com. Family Foot and Leg Center has several locations in Lee and Collier county to attend to your foot emergencies ASAP.

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