A hammertoe is a deformity or contracture of one or both of
the joints in the second, third, fourth or fifth toe. The deformity results in a permanent bend in
the toe causing it to look like a hammer.
Advanced hammertoes can cause pain and pressure which make everyday
activities, including walking, difficult.
At the Orlando Orthopaedic Center our board certified specialists offer
personalized treatment plans for patients suffering from complications of the
foot and ankle, including hammertoes. If
you or a loved one are suffering from a hammertoe, or any other foot or ankle
discomfort, turn to the experts at the Orlando Orthopaedic Center.
Hammertoe Treatment
In order to effectively treat a hammertoe it is important to
identify the cause of the problem. In
some cases a hammertoe is present at birth, and in others it develops later in
life. Many patients who develop a
hammertoe do so as a result of bunions, corns and calluses which place pressure
on the toe(s) and eventually cause permanent damage. In some cases children who wear shoes that no
longer fit develop hammertoes as a result.
Once you and your foot and ankle specialist have determined
the origin of your hammertoe he or she will be able to outline a treatment plan
to correct the problem. Hammertoe
treatment options include: splinting, corrective shoes, corn and/or felt pads,
exercises, bunion surgery, fusion surgery and more.
Bunions
Bunions are also deformities of the foot that cause the big
toe to point toward the second toe, causing a bump to grow and calluses to
form. Bunions can also make walking and
other activities very painful. Because
bunions are a leading cause of hammertoes, bunion treatment and surgery are
often a part of a hammertoe treatment plan.
Symptoms of Hammertoes
- Claw or hammer-like bend in the toe
- Corns
- Calluses
- Bunions
- Pain in the joint at the base of the big toe
At the
Orlando Orthopaedic Center our foot and ankle specialists treat hammertoes and
other deformities of the foot. Whether
you are suffering from moderate to severe pain associated with a complication
of the foot; our specialists are here to help you through every step of the
diagnosis, treatment and recovery process.
If you are interested in learning more about treatment options for a
hammertoe, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today.