Hammertoe treatment is a deformity of the toe, in which the end of the toe is bent downward usually affecting the second toe. Sometimes, the toe moves into a claw-like position.
Your toe muscles work in tandem. Hammertoes are formed when the muscles fail to work together. When the muscles are out of balance it creates a great deal of pressure on the tendons and joints in the toes which causes the toes to become permanently bent.
Common causes of this joint dislocation include:
- a toe injury
- arthritis
- a high foot arch
- wearing shoes that don’t fit properly
- tightened ligaments or tendons in the foot
- pressure from a bunion
A hammertoe is usually diagnosed with a physical inspection of your toe. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, may be ordered if you have had a bone, muscle, or ligament injury in your toe.
Our physician will examine the affected toe. X-rays may also be taken. Our physician may splint the toe and give you special exercises to perform. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the problem.
In order to effectively treat hammertoe, the toes must be straightened and the tendons must be made flexible. It’s also very important to prevent the recurrence. Treatments for hammertoe include:
In the most severe instances of hammertoe, where the toe is permanently bent, surgery is used to rectify the problem. One of the options is to surgically remove a portion of the bone in the toe which allows the toe to straighten out.
Hammertoe is often a harmless and painless condition. Although the toe may be curled permanently, hammertoe should not cause any long-term problems other than a more difficult time finding shoes that fit. If hammertoe is treated and preventive measures are followed, the condition should not return. Wearing tight or constricting shoes can cause hammertoe to return.
Contact us for more information at (561) 123-1234