Hammertoes in Parker, Colorado
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Contact UsWhat Are Hammertoes?
Hammertoe is a common condition that can make wearing your usual footwear painful and uncomfortable. If you suffer from hammertoe, Kevin Blue, DPM, Ryan Muchowski, DPM, and the team of foot specialists at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, Colorado, can help you find the right treatment. The team specializes in conservative, patient-centered care and offers several safe and effective treatments. To speak with a podiatrist about hammertoes, call the office or book an appointment online today.
What Are the Causes of Hammertoes?
Hammertoes can develop due to a variety of factors. One common cause is an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control toe movement, often exacerbated by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too narrow or have high heels force the toes into unnatural positions, leading to deformities over time. Additionally, genetic predisposition and underlying foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, can contribute to the development of hammertoes. Certain medical conditions like arthritis or nerve damage may also increase the risk of hammertoe formation, highlighting the multifactorial nature of this condition.
What Are Symptoms of Hammertoes?
Symptoms of hammertoes typically include pain or discomfort in the affected toe, especially when wearing shoes or walking. The toe may also exhibit stiffness, making it difficult to straighten or flex. In some cases, corns or calluses may develop on the top of the affected toe or on the ball of the foot due to friction and pressure from shoes. As the condition progresses, the affected toe may become increasingly rigid, making it harder to move and potentially leading to complications such as open sores or ulcers. Seeking prompt medical attention can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications associated with hammertoes.
How are Hammertoes Treated?
After an initial consultation to determine a proper diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan will be established. Your provider will first attempt to correct your hammertoe by utilizing conservative treatment methods, which may include:
- Custom orthotics
- Medications
- Splinting
- Changes to footwear
- Callus and corn trimming
- Padding
If these conservative methods are ineffective or you have a severe case of hammertoe, you may require surgery to correct it. With several safe and effective options to choose from, Dr. Blue, Dr. Muchowski, and Dr. Farrett will evaluate your condition, determine the best treatment method, and utilize the latest technology in your treatment plan.
What Can I Expect After Hammertoe Treatment?
After hammertoe treatment, patients can typically look forward to a significant reduction in pain and a restoration of toe function. Recovery time varies depending on the treatment, but many experience full benefits after a few weeks, with initial swelling and discomfort diminishing gradually. It's essential to follow treatment instructions, like rest and proper footwear, to ensure the best possible outcome and prevent recurrence.
Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine Reviews
I got in quickly, started treatment, will have a followup. Easy ability to contact for information. My visit initiated with the doctor. In-office x-rays, specialization. All around foot care.
Everyone was great,Very professional. I was totally impressed with the DR.
Really great staff and doctors that were super helpful!
I’ve never had a good experience with a doctor in my life. Dr.Muchowski was quick, efficient, and honest. Every doctor and practice should strive to be this way. Can’t recommend enough.
I had a very positive experience on my visit to Dr M. The office staff was efficient and friendly. I was examined, diagnosed and treated very effectively by Dr. M and was on my way in no time. I would highly recommend this office.
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Find Real Relief
If you struggle with pain and discomfort from hammertoe, do not wait to seek treatment. Whether your hammertoe can be resolved with conservative methods or you need surgical intervention, you are in good hands with Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine. Dr. Kevin Blue, Dr. Ryan Muchowski, and Dr. William Farrett can help relieve your pain and get back on the road to recovery. Contact our Parker, Colorado office to schedule an initial consultation to get started today.
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About UsHammertoes FAQs
What is a hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a deformity that affects the joints in your toe. Hammertoe can affect any of your four smaller toes and causes the affected toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint.
Hammertoe can result in many concerning symptoms, including inflammation, redness, and burning pain. Hammertoe can also cause calluses and corns to develop on your toes and the ball of your foot.
Left untreated, hammertoe can cause the affected toes to become rigid and stiff, leading them to become permanently bent.
What causes hammertoe?
A number of problems can contribute to the development of hammertoe. Wearing high-heeled or tight-fitting shoes can crowd your toes and increase your risk of developing hammertoe. Breaking a toe or severely stubbing it can also cause hammertoe.
In most cases, hammertoe is caused by an imbalance of the tendons and muscles in your toe. This imbalance causes the toe to become unstable and eventually to contract.
Certain things like your age and the length of your toes can increase your risk of developing hammertoe. People with arthritis and diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
How is hammertoe treated?
Your treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. In most cases, hammertoe is diagnosed during a simple physical exam.
If you suffer from hammertoe, it’s important to seek medical treatment as it won’t clear up on its own. Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine specializes in conservative treatment of hammertoe. Your treatment can include:
• Footwear changes
• Padding
• Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Trimming corns and calluses
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Splinting
Wearing tight shoes or high heels can aggravate your hammertoe and intensify your pain. Choosing the right footwear can relieve pressure on your toes and eliminate your painful symptoms.
In severe cases, hammertoe will require surgery. Surgery is typically required when the toe becomes stiff and painful or develops an open sore. The team offers several safe and effective surgical procedures using the latest technologies.
To find out which treatment is right for you, call Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, or book your appointment online today.