One of the more painful conditions that can afflict the foot is hammertoe — a deformity that causes the toe to bend or curl into an abnormal position, such as downward or pointing in toward the other toes. As a result, the toe is then exposed to a great deal of rubbing and friction that causes discomfort, skin chafing and possible walking problems.
At the office of Metropolitan Foot Care, our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing our patients with the highest levels of care to ensure optimum foot health. We are well equipped to diagnose and treat hammertoes with the goal of relieving pain, restoring better balance and walking.
Signs to watch for:
- Corns or calluses on the toe joint
- Hard to move toe(s)
- Toe joint is red or inflamed
- Putting on and wearing shoes is painful
- Sore ball of foot under the bent toe
- Discomfort when attempting to move at the toe joint
There are a variety of causes for hammertoes but the most common include traumatic injury to the toe, arthritis, having a high foot arch, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly (such as tight, pointed heels), and tightened ligaments or tendons in the foot. The good news is that the condition is treatable and the severity of your condition determines the treatment options. Appropriately fitted shoes, orthotics, and padding can alleviate the pressure on the toe joint and assist it to move back into its correct position. When the hammertoe is very severe, surgery might be required if more conventional therapies have not been successful.
A trusted partner in care
At Metropolitan Foot Care, we are committed to helping you maintain healthy feet and pain-free walking. We provide the highest quality care for a wide spectrum of foot conditions. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.
By Metropolitan Foot Care
November 12, 2019