HAMMERTOE
You’ve probably heard of a hammertoe – it’s a term that is commonly used to describe a toe deformity. The hammertoe condition is a bending abnormality of one or both joints of the little toes. The middle toe joint becomes out of alignment and the toe bends or curls downward instead of pointing forward. This puts pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, which causes problems like pain and discomfort.
At Family Foot Clinic, we know all cases are unique, so we recommend a physical examination in order to accurately diagnose and treat a hammertoe. In addition, we may take x-rays to determine the severity of your case and assess any changes that may have occurred since your last appointment.
If your case of hammertoe is not too extreme, there are helpful nonsurgical treatment options such as changes in footwear, orthotic devices and padding for corns and calluses. When a hammertoe has become rigid, painful, or an open sore has developed, it’s time to look at surgical treatment. Sometimes surgery is the only option to fully restore normal alignment of the toe (s).
With surgery we can reposition the toe, removed injured or deformed bone, and realign your tendons. This is done on an outpatient basis so you can return home on the same day of your surgery. After surgically treating the hammer toe, it usually improves without complications. However, waiting too long to seek treatment can cause further complications as the condition gradually becomes worse with time. That’s why it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible.
Give us a call today – you deserve to live life comfortably on your feet!