Hammertoes are a common foot condition that can make it impossible to wear shoes without pain and discomfort. Navrit Randhawa, DPM, and his colleagues at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center in Carteret, New Jersey, offer a number of conservative and surgical treatments for hammertoes. The team specializes in compassionate, high-quality patient care and works with you to develop the right treatment plan for your condition. To speak with a podiatrist about hammertoes, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Hammertoes are a deformity that causes your toes to contract and bend at the joint. Although hammertoes aren't typically serious, they can cause problems as the affected toes rub against the inside of your shoe.
In most cases, hammertoes are caused by a muscle-tendon imbalance in your foot. This imbalance causes your muscles to tighten and your tendons to shorten, eventually preventing your toes from pointing straight.
There are a number of issues that can contribute to the development of hammertoe, including:
Wearing narrow or tight-fitting shoes forces your toes into a cramped, bent position. Over time, this excess pressure can prevent you from straightening the toes, even when barefoot.
Hammertoes are usually easy to notice. The deformity causes the second, third, or fourth toe to bend at the middle joint.
During the early stages, the affected toes remain flexible, gradually becoming more rigid over time. Additional symptoms include:
Many of these symptoms are the result of constant friction caused by footwear. As the toes rub against the insides of your shoes, it causes irritation, pain, corns, and calluses.
Hammertoe is a progressive condition that doesn’t go away on its own. Early detection and treatment can help you manage your condition without surgery.
If you notice symptoms of hammertoe, book an appointment at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center. They can determine the most effective treatment plan for your condition.
Carteret Foot & Ankle Center offers both noninvasive and surgical treatment for hammertoe. If your affected toes are still flexible and in the early stages of hammertoe, your podiatrist may recommend a number of conservative treatments like:
If your condition is severe or causes significant pain, you may need surgery. The Carteret Foot & Ankle Center team has experience performing a wide range of foot and ankle procedures.
To find out which hammertoe treatment is right for you, book an appointment at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center by phone or request one online today.