Hammertoes can happen for a number of reasons and cause many irregularities in foot function. Characterized by an unnatural bend in the toe joint, hammertoes can cause many inconveniences with shoe fitting and normal mobility. Over time, the toes can become rigid and have permanently flexed toes. However, if hammertoes are treated early on when they are still flexible, they may be able to be straightened. When this is not possible, surgery may be necessary.
Hammertoes can result from an imbalance with muscles and ligaments around the toe joint which produces a bend in the middle joint of the toe. When this bending occurs, the toe becomes stuck in a difficult position. Hammertoes generally affect women in large numbers because women commonly wear shoes that cause the toe to bend in an abnormal way and apply excessive pressure on the toes. With all of these complications, it becomes very important to see a doctor at the earliest sign of a hammertoe. Waiting long amounts of time to seek treatment could be the difference with follow-up visits or more invasive procedures.
Treatment for hammertoes includes:
● Wearing comfortable shoes that have wide toe boxes to prevent your feet from pressure and friction on your toe joints.
● Surgical procedures, which may be required to take the bend out of the toe joint if nothing else works and the hammertoe has not been treated in timely.
Hammertoes may not go away without professional help, it is always best to consult with a podiatrist. At Cange Podiatry Inc., located in Ellicott City and Glen Burnie, MD, our foot doctor, Darlyne Cange, DPM, will provide the best services possible that are tailored to your foot’s specific needs! Please call to make an appointment with our offices and we’ll get your toes straightened out for good.