Hammertoe is a common foot condition that can develop over time, often occurring due to the extended wear of high-heeled shoes or shoes that are too small or narrow at the front of the foot. For comfort, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that shoes be a half-inch longer than the longest toe. Placing cushioned stick-on pads over hammertoes may help prevent sores, corns, or calluses from forming. Orthotic straps and splints can also help keep a hammertoe in place and help reduce discomfort..

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. If you are suffering from hammertoes, contact Dr. Dave Poonai of Livingston Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

·         Pain in the affected toes

·         Development of corns or calluses due to friction

·         Inflammation

·         Redness

·         Contracture of the toes

Causes

·         Genetics – people who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

·         Arthritis – because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

·         Trauma – direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

·         Ill-fitting shoes – undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

·         Orthotics – custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

·         Medications – oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

·         Surgery – in more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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