Hammertoe causes toe contracture that forces your toes into an inverted “V” shape. When you’re wearing shoes, or even walking barefoot, this can lead to major pain and instability. At Bonnie Vader, DPM, PC, in East New York, Brooklyn, in New York, Dr. Vader offers both conservative and surgical solutions for hammertoe based on the degree of the condition and how it’s affecting you. Call the office or click online booking to get help for hammertoe now.
What is hammertoe?
Hammertoe is a downward bending of the proximal interphalangeal joint (the middle joint) in your second, third, fourth, or fifth toe. This condition occurs in two forms, flexible and rigid.
Flexible hammertoe is the early form of hammertoe, in which it’s possible to straighten your toe out with some effort. If untreated, flexible hammertoe can eventually become rigid hammertoe, in which the proximal interphalangeal joint is locked in the abnormal position.
request an appointmentWhat are the symptoms associated with hammertoe?
Although the most obvious symptoms of hammertoe are visual (the clawlike joint contracture), you can also experience several uncomfortable physical symptoms, including:
- Painful skin atop the affected joint
- Corns atop the affected joint
- Swelling of the affected joint
- Inability to move your toe
- Pain in the ball of your foot, under the affected toe
Hammertoe often causes serious pain, as well as embarrassment. Fortunately, Bonnie Vader, DPM, PC, offers effective hammertoe treatments so you don’t have to live with the miserable symptoms for a moment longer.
Why did my hammertoe develop?
Hammertoe is typically a direct result of muscle and tendon imbalance in your toes, which leads to excessive pressure on the joints and triggers joint bending. The underlying cause of the muscle and tendon imbalance can be either structural or neurological.
Other possible causes of hammertoe include trauma to the foot, genetics, and chronic conditions that affect the joints, such as arthritis. Wearing too-tight shoes could also trigger hammertoe, especially if you have long toes and habitually wear shoes that compress your toes.
How can I straighten my hammertoe?
To straighten your hammertoe, you need help from a professional podiatrist like Dr. Vader. The exact approach she uses for your hammertoe treatment depends on whether you have flexible or rigid hammertoe.
Flexible hammertoe treatment
For flexible hammertoe, treatment is usually conservative, and may include taping and padding your toe into place. This can alleviate the imbalance and restore normal toe alignment. You may also need custom orthotics to control foot function problems that led to hammertoe. If you’re experiencing serious pain, Dr. Vader may prescribe anti-inflammatory or cortisone injections for hammertoe.
Rigid hammertoe treatment
For rigid hammertoe, surgery is often the best approach, as the bone is fused in its abnormal position. Dr. Vader is a highly experienced surgeon who can remove excess bone and restore your normal joint position.
Bonnie Vader, DPM, PC, has hammertoe solutions that can save you from pain and embarrassment, so don’t wait to reach out for help. Call the office or set your appointment using online booking today.