Hammertoe causes a lot of discomfort for those afflicted. Shoes may not fit correctly, and the rubbing of the affected toes against the shoes can lead to calluses and corns that cause even more pain. Changes in footwear and some exercises can help to treat some milder cases, but for more severe problems, the solution is only available from a podiatric surgeon in Racine WI.
Causes of Condition
Hammertoes develops in several ways. Trauma to the toe is one cause. The trauma does not have to result in a fracture for problems to begin. Some people jam or stub their toe severely enough for the condition to arise. Arthritis or inherited conditions that cause the muscles in the toes to have abnormal balance is another factor. Ill-fitting shoes that do not give the toes enough room to move also cause the problem to develop.
Sufferers of Hammertoe
Everyone is at risk for this type of foot affliction. People with second toes longer than their big toe and those with arthritis are more likely to experience the problem. Women develop hammertoe more often than men, and the risk of the foot issue rises as people age.
Treatments at Home
Most physicians recommend treatment of any calluses or corns first. The patient may need new shoes to give their toes more room to move. Pads, both for the insole of the shoe and between the toes, can help to cushion and align the toes so they straighten on their own. A doctor may also recommend people practice using their toes to pick items up. The exercises stretch the muscles in the toes and help to strengthen them.
Correction Through Surgery
Sometimes, the only solution is surgery. A Podiatric Surgeon in Racine WI can either reroute the tendons or cut the tendons and perform a joint resection or fusion. The procedures take a few weeks to heal but will straighten the toes and stop the pain.
Surgery is always the last resort for any condition, but some cases of hammertoe will continue to cause pain unless the patient undergoes a procedure. The type of surgery that will solve the problem depends on if the hammertoe is flexible or fixed. A visit to a podiatrist is necessary to diagnose the severity and decide on the correct treatment method. Click here to start the process.
