Hammertoe is referred to as a deformity in which the toe is bent and takes the shape of a hammer. Mostly, it is a bend in the middle joint and looks weird. This condition occurs due to the imbalance of ligaments, muscles, and tendons that hold the toe. It generally occurs in the second or third toe and curls downwards rather than pointing forward. It has also been observed that this condition can be treated completely with the help of a Bakersfield hammertoe specialist.
Causes of hammertoe
Some of the most common causes of this type of foot problem are mentioned below:
- By birth
- Ill-fitted shoesÂ
- Toe injury
- High foot ache
- Pressure on the toes
- Nerve damage
- Bunions
- Long toes
- Stroke
- Flat feet
Out of these causes, wrongly fitted shoes can do more harm than expected. This is because they put pressure on the toe to bend inward causing ligaments to shrink.
Symptoms of hammertoe
You may not be able to observe it properly when it starts to occur. However, your foot may show some signs as mentioned below:
- Toe that has a bent inward
- Difficulty in walkingÂ
- Calluses and cornsÂ
- Inability to flex your toes
Treatment options for a hammertoe
A specialist will closely examine the condition of the foot. In case of a foot or toe injury, he may ask you to go for an X-ray, which will determine the severity of the problem.
- Initially, the doctor may ask you to stop wearing high heels and tight shoes because that can aggravate the problem.
- In rare cases, if the hammertoe causes too much pain and is rigid, the doctor may have to perform the surgery on your foot and get the toe corrected.
- In case you have callous and corns, you should provide padding to them. It will minimize the pain.
Preventive measures
Before the problem persists, it is strongly recommended to take preventive measures. You should always wear shoes that offer comfort and cushioning to your feet. Wearing high and pointed heels for a long time should be avoided. If you experience any pain and discomfort, you must contact the doctor immediately and take the right treatment. In case of a foot injury, you should get a thorough check-up done because it can rule out the possibility of any deformity in the toe.
