Do You Have a Hammertoe?
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a deformity in the foot that occurs when a muscle weakens and puts pressure on the toe's tendons and joints, causing the toe to stick up at the joint rather than lying naturally flat in line with the others. Typically, hammertoes are seen on the second toe or the pinkie toe and are divided into three classifications:
Hammertoes, which are bent at the middle joint only.
Clawtoes, which are bent at the middle and end joints.
Mallet toes, which only affect the joint at the end of the toe.
All hammertoes are referred to classified as flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, depending on the degree of severity. Typically, the more rigid the toe, the more painful it will be. There is a correlation between the severity of the inflexibility and the degree of discomfort that patients with hammertoes experience. Making the situation worse, hammertoes often cause uncomfortable corns or calluses to grow as the affected toe rubs repeatedly against the shoe.
How Did I Get a Hammertoe?
Three main factors are responsible for the development of hammertoes:
Health Status: Your overall wellbeing is critical to the prevention of innumerable chronic issues, including hammertoes. Protect your health through careful diet and regular exercise. People diabetes, neuropathy, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and other similar chronic conditions are at increased risk for the development of hammertoes. Further, these illnesses make you more likely to experience hammertoe complications.
Gender: Women develop all forms of hammertoes more often than men, probably because they are more likely to wear narrow, poorly fitting shoes with little arch support, high heels, and pointy toe boxes. Over time, these shoes damage the feet. They should be saved for special occasions.
Genetics: People with high arches and people with flat, flexible feet get hammertoes than those with more typical foot anatomy. Either situation puts you at risk.
What Should I Do If I Have a Hammertoe?
If you think that you've developed a hammertoe, switch to sensible, comfortable shoes right away. If you notice a callus or corn, use a pumice stone regularly. Never use a blade, razor, or grater on your feet. These implements are dangerous and can cause small nicks and cuts that allow bacteria to enter your body, leading to warts or infection.
It's possible that surgery may be the most effective treatment for your hammertoe. This is a relatively simple procedure that is performed often. It is often the best long-term solution. Surgery will make shoes fit more comfortably, improve calluses and corns, and make your feet more attractive.
Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.