All About Hammertoes from a Georgia Foot and Ankle Doctor
Hammertoes Can Worsen Over Time
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If you are faced with unsightly toes that are curled to appear to look like a hammer, you definitely have hammertoes. Specifically, it is a condition where the middle joint of your toes is bent (curled) occurring in your 2nd, 3rd and 4th toe. Unfortunately, this condition can progressively worsen if not properly addressed.
When a person is wearing shoes that do not fit properly or the heels are too high, the toes are forcibly positioned and squeezed into themselves due to the fact there is no free range of motion. If this continues unabated for a prolonged period of time, your muscles will eventually shorten and become stuck in this unfortunate position.
For many, there is no pain associated with hammertoes. However, there could be mild discomfort when your toes are pushing against your shoes. In the isolated cases where a person experiences pain from this condition, there are specific remedies that have been successful.
Remedies for Hammertoes
To begin with, it is highly recommended to try non-invasive (surgery) treatment plans for any foot condition you are experiencing. By so doing, there are substantially fewer risks involved plus they allow more options for the individual. For the condition of hammertoes, you can use padding in the shoe (prevents the toes from hitting the top of your shoes), wider shoes or wear lower heels. It is advisable to go to a podiatrist office and be fitted for the correct shoe size and proper width. According to some recent studies, approximately 60-80% of people are wearing incorrect shoe sizes.
Hammertoes Can Be Treated
With hammertoes, it is imperative to obtain the proper sized shoes so that your toes have room to expand to their proper length. In these instances, the next option is surgery to elongate the joint and remove it from its contracted position. It is important to treat hammertoes before you have to go that route, if possible.
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