Hammertoes are Intense

Hammertoes begin when abnormalities in the utility of the foot trigger the tightening of tendons and ligaments, resulting in the joints of the toe bending in an unusual way. This bending forces the toe to point upwards and in turn keeps the joint in a downward position. Hammertoes are also a serious issue for diabetics because of their poor circulation and because they have a higher risk of developing complications and foot ulcers.

Treatment for this condition involves:

• Wearing shoes that have large toe boxes.
• Refraining from wearing high-heels.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting shoes if possible.
• Use of padding to reduce pain or taping to relieve pressure.
• Use of anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling that may be caused by joint deformities from your hammertoe.
• Orthotics are also used to alleviate pain and stop the hammertoe from getting worse.
• Surgical procedures may be required when hammertoes get too stiff and stuck in the bent position. Surgery will accomplish the removal of the bone in the toe that is sticking out and put it back into its proper position, allowing the joint to heal for several weeks thereafter.

Hammertoes can grow into significant issues when not treated timely, such as an increase in rigidity, requiring surgery to fix the resulting deformity. The deformities this condition can cause will act as a severe hindrance to mobility. For these reasons, please contact us now so that we can help your toes become hammertoe free! Here at the Connecticut Foot Care Centers, LLC,  located in Rocky Hill (860) 563-1200, Bristol (860) 582-0747, Middletown (860) 346-5226, Glastonbury (860) 633-6749, Newington (860) 666-2078 and Kensington (860) 828-9455, Connecticut, our podiatrists, Jeffrey S. Kahn, D.P.M., Richard E. Ehle, D.P.M., Craig M. Kaufman, D.P.M. and Ayman M. Latif, D.P.M., can assist with providing top-notch treatment for your hammertoes before they become insurmountable. So, make an appointment today by calling our office at any of the numbers provided above and please take a moment to visit our Patient Education library to dive deeper into what you need to do in order to maintain optimal foot and ankle health now and in the future.