If you experience pain toe pain, it may be worth your time to research what the symptoms of hammertoe are. Foot deformities, such as bunions and splayfoot, can significantly disrupt your lifestyle. Hammertoe is no exception, whether you lead an active lifestyle or a rather sedentary one. Our feet are one of the most important parts of our bodies, literally taking us everywhere we go. So when you begin to see possible signs of deformities, it is time to act and keep your feet healthy. This article will help you better understand hammertoe. General information, symptoms, and basic treatment information will be discussed.
What Is Hammertoe?
When you think of a foot deformity, it is easy to picture bunions or flat feet. But what is hammertoe exactly? It certainly does not come up in very many dinner table conversations. Yet, it is quite common. Hammertoe is a deformity, often occurring in the second, third, or fourth toes. When the muscles, tendons, or ligaments within the toe are imbalanced, the toe can bend. This bend occurs at the middle joint and can cause both pain and pressure in the toe. This is not to be confused with mallet toe, a similar deformity where the toe bends at the top joint.
Symptoms of Hammertoe
If you think you may have hammertoe, you have likely noticed one of the first symptoms of it: the bend. But beyond just the bend, what are the symptoms of hammertoe? You may need to be asking this question even if no bend is present. Pain present within a single toe, especially near the middle joint, may be a symptom of hammertoe. Calluses or corns on the sides of your toes may be a symptom as well. It could indicate the toe is shifting and rubbing against your other toes. When a bend does begin to occur, moving the toe will likely be painful and difficult.
What exactly causes this bend? Several factors can either cause or contribute to the development of hammertoe. As with many foot deformities, injuries can be a big factor. Any injury that smashed the toe inward may contribute to the deformity. Bad shoes, especially high heels or shoes that smash your toes, can contribute. Arthritis and diabetes have been linked to the deformity, as has heredity. So avoid toe injuries, wear shoes good for hammertoe, and check your health and family history.
Hammertoe Treatment
If you think you may have a hammertoe, what can you do about it? Foot deformities can be scary, especially if they have developed into late stages. Of course, hammertoe treatment options are much more successful in the early stages. This is because the longer the deformity is left untreated, the more the tendons contract and tighten. But that doesn’t mean treatment efforts aren’t worth it if you have had the deformity for some time. Knowing what the symptoms of hammertoe are, you might be able to judge whether it is a minor case. If so, you might consider trying some simple, at-home remedies.
- Massage: A gentle massage around the area should help relieve some of the pain. It could help loosen up some muscles and tendons that may be pulling the toe.
- Cold Compress: A cold compress can help numb the area, relieving pain. It can also bring down swelling.
- Over-the-Counter Metatarsal Pads: Buying small pads to put under your toes, called metatarsal pads, can help relieve pressure on the toe. If your symptoms are especially painful, these can help you get by until you can see a doctor.
- Toe-Splint: If you don’t feel much pain but are afraid of developing the bend, consider a toe-splint. Using a toe-splint can help stabilize your toe and keep it from bending.
- Wear Quality Footwear: Good shoes are absolutely critical to your foot health. With regards to hammertoe, wearing shoes that don’t constrain your toes are especially helpful.
Knowing what the symptoms of hammertoe are can help you start preventative treatment quickly. But if it isn’t caught early, or if at-home treatments aren’t enough, a podiatrist is surely your next stop. Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle treatment and will know exactly what to do for your hammertoe deformity. Treatments that a podiatrist may implement include localized cortisone injections, custom orthotics, physical therapy, or possibly surgery.
Hammertoe Surgery
As with other surgical procedures, doctors often use hammertoe surgery as a last resort. At-home remedies will be tested and non-surgical options will be tried first. But if those fail to produce the desired results, surgery may be recommended. Hammertoe surgery is meant to correct the deformity and relieve the pain. The nature of the procedure may be slightly different depending on the nature of the deformity. But, in general, they tend to be the same. The surgeon may choose to fuse the joint, transfer tendons, or “resection” the joint. Possibly a combination of the three. Recovery usually takes around six weeks. For the first few weeks, you will likely need to stay off the foot as much as possible. You will then slowly be transitioned to open-toed boots and soft-soled shoes.
Treat Hammertoe With FASI
Now that you know what the symptoms of hammertoe are, it should be much easier to avoid. As long as you remember to catch it early and use preventative treatment, especially good footwear. Keep in mind that you can be developing hammertoe even before you see the bend, so be on the lookout. But in cases where you feel additional help is needed, you should turn to FASI. FASI’s trained team can handle any kind of treatment that is beyond your ability. Our wide range of services and knowledge put us at the cutting edge. If you have any doubt that your hammertoe symptoms are beyond your control, reach out to the team. We can provide you with outstanding care that will help you secure your lifestyle again. Don’t let something like a hammertoe slow you down or disrupt your lifestyle. Take control by contacting us and scheduling an appointment today.
