Hammertoes
A hammertoe is a contracture of the joint of the lesser toes. This contracture can cause calluses, wounds, and irritation from rubbing either against adjacent toes or Shoegear. Hammertoes usually start out mild and flexible but can progress over time to become rigid and aggressive.
Hammertoes are caused from an imbalance in the foot. Biomechanical abnormalities such as flatfoot, cavus foot and other causes can cause abnormal tendon pull or laxity. This causes an imbalance. Once this occurs progression usually continues until end range of motion or rigid.
Symptoms of hammertoes include pain, inflammation, redness, corns, calluses, burning, contracture of the toes, and possibly wounds.
Hammertoes are fairly easy to diagnose but x-rays are usually helpful to determine the amount of rigidity/arthritis that is present in the joints that would allow for types of treatment .
Nonsurgical treatment for hammertoes could include: rest, ice, elevation, wider toe box Shoegear, padding , splinting, medications, injections, orthotics/supportive devices etc.. Surgical treatment of hammertoes would include straightening of the toes. Occasionally some internal device may be necessary to help hold alignment after surgery including pins, wires, screws.
It is important to meet with your foot and ankle doctor to discuss the specific reason(s) your hammertoes occurred as reoccurrence/progression is possible unless addressed. At that time you can discuss the treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.
Hammertoes are caused from an imbalance in the foot. Biomechanical abnormalities such as flatfoot, cavus foot and other causes can cause abnormal tendon pull or laxity. This causes an imbalance. Once this occurs progression usually continues until end range of motion or rigid.
Symptoms of hammertoes include pain, inflammation, redness, corns, calluses, burning, contracture of the toes, and possibly wounds.
Hammertoes are fairly easy to diagnose but x-rays are usually helpful to determine the amount of rigidity/arthritis that is present in the joints that would allow for types of treatment .
Nonsurgical treatment for hammertoes could include: rest, ice, elevation, wider toe box Shoegear, padding , splinting, medications, injections, orthotics/supportive devices etc.. Surgical treatment of hammertoes would include straightening of the toes. Occasionally some internal device may be necessary to help hold alignment after surgery including pins, wires, screws.
It is important to meet with your foot and ankle doctor to discuss the specific reason(s) your hammertoes occurred as reoccurrence/progression is possible unless addressed. At that time you can discuss the treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.