What Can Be Done for Hammertoe?

Does your second, third, or fourth toe have an unusual bend at the middle joint? If so, you may be suffering from a condition known as hammertoe. Unlike it sounds, hammertoe is not caused by dropping a heavy tool on your foot. Rather, it happens because something has caused an imbalance in the muscle or tendon that usually holds the toe straight.

Many things may contribute to hammertoe, including diseases such as arthritis or even the type of shoes you wear. Regardless, most people who have hammertoe find it to be a painful condition. For this reason, a visit to your podiatrist in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, is recommended.

Why Hammertoe Is Painful

Often, the unusual bend in a hammertoe causes the toe to rub against your shoe repeatedly. Over time, painful blisters may form, and later — corns or calluses. The best way to relieve the pain of hammertoe is to prevent the toe from coming into wrong contact with your shoe.

Your podiatrist in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, may be able to recommend a different type or size of shoe that may help. Or sometimes, they may suggest special pads made to prevent corns and calluses from friction. Shoe inserts are also sometimes helpful.

Is There a Way to Correct Hammertoe?

Hammertoe can usually be corrected through simple surgery. Your surgeon may snip the tendon or muscle that’s causing the deformity. Or, they may remove a small portion of bone to help your toe return to it’s normal, flat position. Surgery is usually a last resort, however. And your podiatrist will try to find less invasive methods to ease the pain of hammertoe first.

For diagnosis and treatment of hammertoe in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, call Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM,PA, today.