A hammertoe is a deformity of the toe in which the toe is bent at the middle joint, causing it to resemble an inverted V or a hammer. Although any toe is susceptible to becoming a hammertoe, the condition most commonly appears in the second, third, or fourth toes. Left untreated, hammertoes can become inflexible and require surgery to correct.
Causes of Hammertoe
- Arthritis
- Heredity
- Muscle imbalance
- Trauma to the toe
- Wearing shoes that fit too tightly
Symptoms of Hammertoe
- Corns and calluses on the top of the toe's middle joint or on the tip of the toe
- Difficulty in finding comfortable shoes
- Pain in the toes
Treatments for Hammertoe
- Steroid injection therapy, which can sometimes reduce inflammation at the joint
- Surgery, for the most severe cases
- Using commercially available straps, cushions, or nonmedicated corn pads
- Wearing shoes with soft, roomy toe boxes that allow you to stretch your toes and strengthen their muscles
Prevention of Hammertoe
- Have someone treat you to a foot massage--doctor's orders!
- Keep your feet up when sitting down
- Wear appropriate shoes that are comfortable; custom-made orthotics , available at New Orleans Podiatry Associates, may also slow the progress of hammertoes
Text Us About Hammertoe
At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we are experts in treating hammertoes. Our lead podiatrist, Dr. Edward M. Lang, has been helping patients resolve hammertoes for over 30 years. Please text our HIPAA-compliant communication platform at (866) 875-4570 and chat directly with our team to learn more about hammertoe relief. You do not have to live with hammertoes. We are foot and ankle specialists, and we have helped thousands of patients reclaim their foot health.
Call Us for an Appointment
At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we are experts in treating foot and ankle pain. Our lead podiatrist, Dr. Edward M. Lang, has been helping patients resolve foot and ankle pain for over 30 years. Please call our main number at (504)-897-3627 for both our New Orleans and Metaire locations, and speak directly with our team to learn more about how New Orleans Podiatry Associates can help you get back on your feet. We are foot and ankle specialists, and we have helped thousands of patients reclaim their foot health.