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.
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.
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:
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.
