How Do I Know If I Have Hammertoes?

Find out if your symptoms are indicative of hammertoes and what can be done to treat it.

A hammertoe can happen to anyone. If you are currently dealing with some foot problems, that might be warning you that you have a hammertoe. Isn’t it time you visited our Danbury, CT podiatrists Dr. Joseph Treadwell and Dr. Christian Davis for proper care? Find out more about hammertoes, its causes and symptoms, and how to treat it.

What is a hammertoe?

This foot deformity causes the affected toe to bend downward. A hammertoe can affect any toe, but it does most often affect the second or third toe. Hammertoes can be congenital or occur gradually over time. Fortunately, most hammertoe cases can be treated.

What are the causes?

As mentioned above, some hammertoes occur at birth but other causes include:

• Arthritis
• Direct trauma to the toe
• Having high foot arches
• Wear poorly fitted shoes that are too tight
• Tight tendon or ligaments in the foot
• Peripheral nerve damage

What symptoms occur with hammertoes?

One of the first issues you may notice is pain when walking. If you also try to move or stretch the affected toe, you may also experience some discomfort. Symptoms often start out mild at first, but can progress and become more severe if not cared for properly.

Common symptoms include:

• A bent or curled toe
• A toe that also contains a corn or callus
• Pain when walking
• Being unable to move or flex the toes

How will my Danbury foot doctor treat my hammertoe?

A lot will depend on the severity of your condition. Those with mild issues can often find the relief they need with these more conservative measures:

• Wearing the proper footwear that gives toes enough room to move
• Wearing insoles to help balance and support high arches
• Wearing toe pads to correct the position of the toe
• Stretching the toes daily to help reposition them and reduce pain
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce any pain or swelling

If pain and other symptoms are more severe and you are unable to even move the toe then surgery may be the best option for correcting the deformity. This option is usually only performed on those with serious and debilitating symptoms.

Waiting too long to get the proper treatment for your hammertoe could cause other issues for your feet. That’s why it’s so important to visit our podiatric office in Danbury at the first sign of a problem. Call Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut, P.C. today!