Hammertoes are abnormal bending of toes that often leads to pain and irritation. The lesser (or “little”) toes progressively bend in a painful position over time. Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle provides hammertoes treatment in Seaford & Millsboro to patients with this painful condition. Since 2000, we’ve helped thousands of patients treat pain and swelling caused by hammertoes. We’ll determine the best form of hammertoes treatment to meet your needs, from footwear changes to surgery. Contact us today for more information.
A joint in one of your toes that “points up” or is bent instead of lying flat is called a hammertoe. Weak muscles in your foot or leg can cause the toe’s tendons to abnormally pull in a different direction. Hammertoes may cause pain, swelling in the toes, and rigid joints. A corn or callus often forms on top of the deformed joint or at the tip of the toe.
Many people confuse hammertoes with mallet toes and clawtoes. Technically, there are a few differences, including:
The types of hammertoes include:
There can be many reasons for hammertoes to form including: improper footwear - high heels, narrow toe box shoes, or unsupportive shoes. When shoes don’t fit well or have minimal arch support, severe pressure is put on the toes and joints. It’s important to wear supportive shoes, especially if you have flat feet, because they must work harder to stabilize against flat arches. Neuromuscular diseases sometimes contribute to the development of a hammertoe. As mentioned before, weak muscles in your foot or leg can cause the toe’s tendons to abnormally pull causing deformity in your toes . It’s essential to pay attention to your feet and notice any symptoms of a hammertoe development.
Bunions and hammertoes are not the same things. Bunions are a bump on the inside of your “big toe.” A hammertoe involves the joints of your other four toes.
There are multiple symptoms of hammertoes, including:
Hammertoes treatment often includes:
We’ll perform an extensive examination of your toes to determine the best form of hammertoes treatment for your needs.
It’s important that our experienced podiatrists examine hammertoes, but you can decrease discomfort at home in a few ways, including:
The Southern Delaware Foot & Ankle team is proud to be your comprehensive foot and ankle specialist. We’re committed to providing our customers with the highest level patient care and innovative treatments. We understand that hammertoes can be a painful and problematic issue that progressively worsens. Our physicians are devoted to finding a tailored treatment to fit your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about foot and ankle conditions, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ patient education website, FootHealthFacts.org