Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes an upward bend in the toe joint that may cause problems when wearing shoes. The team of skilled podiatrists at Montgomery Podiatry in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, diagnoses and treats hammertoe. They recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as you see the upward bend to prevent or delay the need for surgery. Call the office or schedule your hammertoe consultation online today. 

What is hammertoe?

Hammertoe is an abnormal bend in one or both joints in the second, third, or fourth toe. The abnormal bend causes the tip of the toe to bend down, resembling the head of a hammer.

Initially, the abnormal bend in the toe is flexible, allowing you to straighten the toe joint. Over time, the bend becomes rigid, and you can no longer straighten the toe.

Hammertoe puts pressure on the toe when you wear shoes, causing calluses or corns along with pain.

If you have hammertoe, the team at Montgomery Podiatry recommends scheduling an appointment right away. Early treatment may prevent the bend from becoming rigid.

What causes hammertoe?

An imbalance between the muscles and tendons in the foot and leg causes hammertoe. Your muscles bend and straighten your toes.

The imbalance between the muscle and tendon may occur because of a structural or neurological problem that affects the foot. You may aggravate a hammertoe by wearing shoes that force the toes to bend.

If the toe is bent in one position for a long period of time, the muscle may tighten and pull on the tendon that bends the joint. Foot trauma may also lead to hammertoe. 

What happens during a hammertoe evaluation?

The team at Montgomery Podiatry conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in looking for medical management for your hammertoe. They review your symptoms, the types of shoes you wear, and your medical history.

Your podiatrist examines your feet and toes and tests flexibility. They take X-rays to assess the severity of your deformity.

What are the treatments for hammertoe?

Treatment for hammertoe depends on whether your deformity is flexible or rigid. Initially, the team at Montgomery Podiatry may recommend non-surgical interventions such as:

• Padding for your shoes
• Change in footwear
• Custom orthotics to improve muscle and tendon balance
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation

If you have a rigid and painful hammertoe, the team at Montgomery Podiatry may recommend surgery to correct the abnormal bend in the joint. They customize your hammertoe surgery plan to get you the best outcome.

Don’t wait for your hammertoe to worsen; call Montgomery Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.