Hammertoes can cause uncomfortable or unsightly deformations in your toe and make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. To get help with your hammertoes, visit Healthy Step Podiatry in Midtown East and the Financial District of New York City. As a team, Vito La Puma, DPM, has advanced training in the management and surgical correction of hammertoes, when needed. To set up a consultation, call or book online today, and start the process to better-looking, more comfortable feet.
What is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a condition in which the toe is bent excessively at one or both of its joints. This can occur on the second, third, fourth, or fourth toe and commonly appears on multiple toes at the same time.
Early on, a hammertoe is flexible and can be straightened by hand. If left untreated, the deformity becomes permanent, and you can’t straighten your toe any longer. This process is gradual, but it can lead to side effects such as blisters, corns, and calluses on the tops and tips of the toes when they rub against your shoes.
What causes a hammertoe?
A hammertoe is caused by a muscle or tendon imbalance in your foot that pulls the joint of your toe upward and the tip of your toe downward. This condition can be aggravated by wearing shoes that are too small or tight in the toes or wearing high heels frequently.
Activities that cause your toes to hit the front of your shoe — like running — can also cause trauma that leads to hammertoes. In some cases, hammertoes are hereditary.
What is the treatment for hammertoes?
In the early stages, the team may recommend nonsurgical treatment, including:
- Padding for corns and calluses
- Changes in footwear
- Orthotic devices
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation
This may be accompanied by at-home stretches and exercises aimed at reducing or correcting the muscle and tendon imbalances in your foot. In most cases, these at-home exercises can be performed in fewer than 10 minutes and may help slow the progression of your hammertoes.
When is surgery recommended for hammertoes?
The Healthy Step Podiatry team may recommend surgery to correct your hammertoes if your toes become rigid or inflexible or you develop an open sore on your toe due to pressure from your shoes. Different types of hammertoe surgeries are available depending on your anatomy, age, lifestyle, and any other foot deformities you may have. Healthy Step Podiatry has an in-office surgery center for your convenience.
The team uses cosmetic techniques to limit scarring after surgery, so your feet maintain a healthy, scar-free appearance and you can enjoy greater comfort.
To schedule a foot exam for your hammertoe, call Healthy Step Podiatry or book online now.