A hammertoe is the result of an abnormal balance in the muscles of the toe. This imbalance puts a lot of pressure on the joints and ligaments, which make the toes bend in a painful way. There are things, fortunately, that can be done to alleviate painful symptoms and treat your hammertoes.
The symptoms of hammertoes can range from redness and swelling to restricted motion and pain when wearing shoes. If you suspect you have a hammertoe, make an appointment so we can obtain a correct diagnosis. The severity of your symptoms can depend on which type of hammertoe you have. The first type is the less severe variety, which is known as the flexible hammertoe. In this case, the toe is still able to move at the joint. In rigid hammertoes (the second and last type), the tendons have become tight, and the joint is misaligned and immobile. Once it’s been determined (through x-ray) that you have a hammertoe, there are plenty of conservative treatments that often work. We encourage patients to try these therapies before choosing surgery whenever possible. These treatments are not cures, but they can help with the pain you may be experiencing, as well as stop the progression of your hammertoe.
If conservative treatments fail, or your hammertoe is severe enough, surgery to correct this biomechanical condition can be performed. For less severe deformities, the surgery entails removing the excess bone and restoring normal alignment to the toe joint. It’s a bit more complicated with more severe hammertoes, but the end result of both surgeries is relief of pain and symptoms.
If you suspect you have a hammertoe, please call the office and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Dustin or Dr. Spencer in our office in Encinitas. We look forward to taking care of your foot and ankle conditions.
The symptoms of hammertoes can range from redness and swelling to restricted motion and pain when wearing shoes. If you suspect you have a hammertoe, make an appointment so we can obtain a correct diagnosis. The severity of your symptoms can depend on which type of hammertoe you have. The first type is the less severe variety, which is known as the flexible hammertoe. In this case, the toe is still able to move at the joint. In rigid hammertoes (the second and last type), the tendons have become tight, and the joint is misaligned and immobile. Once it’s been determined (through x-ray) that you have a hammertoe, there are plenty of conservative treatments that often work. We encourage patients to try these therapies before choosing surgery whenever possible. These treatments are not cures, but they can help with the pain you may be experiencing, as well as stop the progression of your hammertoe.
If conservative treatments fail, or your hammertoe is severe enough, surgery to correct this biomechanical condition can be performed. For less severe deformities, the surgery entails removing the excess bone and restoring normal alignment to the toe joint. It’s a bit more complicated with more severe hammertoes, but the end result of both surgeries is relief of pain and symptoms.
If you suspect you have a hammertoe, please call the office and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Dustin or Dr. Spencer in our office in Encinitas. We look forward to taking care of your foot and ankle conditions.
