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What Are Hammertoes?

Hammertoes are painful deformities that frequently form on the second, third, or fourth toe. The condition is often caused by an issue in foot mechanics. This can be caused by the person’s specific gait or the manner in which they walk, or by shoes that do not comfortably fit the deformity.  Hammertoes can be formed after wearing shoes that are too narrow or short for the foot or have excessively high heels. Shoes that are not properly sized will force the toes into a bent position for long periods of time. This can cause the muscles to shorten and toes to bend into the deformity of a hammertoe.

Hammertoe can also be caused by complications from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, trauma to the foot, heredity, or a cerebral vascular accident. Pain and difficult mobility of the toes, deformities, calluses, and corns are all symptoms of a hammertoe.

Someone who suspects they have the symptoms of a hammertoe should consult with a physician—particularly a podiatrist. Podiatrists diagnose and treat complications of the foot and ankle. If the podiatrist discovers that the affected toes are still flexible, treatment for the hammertoe may simply involve exercise, physical therapy, and better-fitting shoes. Treatment for hammertoes typically involves controlling foot mechanics, such as walking, through the use of customized orthotics.

For more serious cases in which the toes have become inflexible and rigid, surgery may be suggested. During the operation, the toe would receive an incision to relieve pressure on the tendons. A re-alignment of the tendons may then be performed by removing small pieces of bone to straighten the toe. In some cases, the insertion of pins is needed to keep the bones in the proper position as the toe heals. The patient is usually allowed to return home on the same day as the surgery.

If surgery is performed to repair a hammertoe, following the postoperative directions of your doctor is essential. Directions may include several stretches, picking up marbles with your toes, or attempting to crumple a towel placed flat against your feet. Wear shoes that have low heels and a wide amount of toe space to maintain comfort. Closed-toe shoes and high heels should be avoided. Shoes with laces allow the wearer to adjust how fitted he or she may want the shoes to be and also allow for greater comfort. To provide adequate space for your toes, select shoes that have a minimum of one-half inch of space between the tip of your longest toe and the inside of the shoe. This will also relieve pressure on your toes and prevent future hammertoes from forming.

Other preventative measures that can be taken include going shopping for new shoes in the middle of the day. Your feet are its smallest in the morning and swell as the day progresses. Trying on and purchasing new shoes midday will give you the most reliable size. Be sure to check that the shoes you purchase are both the same size. If possible, ask the store to stretch out the shoes at its painful points to allow for optimum comfort.  

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Family Foot & Ankle Centers by clicking here or calling 972-597-4132 to reach our Waxahachie office, 903-872-9910 to reach our Corsicana office, or  972-875-3668 to reach our Ennis office.

Your Top-Rated & Favorite Podiatrist In Waxahachie, TX…

Dr. Moody is a wonderful doctor. I love how detailed he is and takes is time explaining things. Dr. Moody will make sure his patients are well taken care of. He helped me with my foot pain. I will continue to see him for my foot needs. I highly recommend him to everyone who is in need of a foot doctor!

- Elizabeth F.

elizabeth 5 star

I had a great experience at Family Foot & Ankle, the staff is great, the doctors are awesome. It’s a very beautiful clean clinic. They helped me with my toe pain. I will definitely recommend this clinic to anyone with foot or ankle issues. Thanks everyone.

- Isael M.
isael 5 star review

This office is convenient, friendly, and concerned. The staff is very helpful and caring. Doctor Cruz and Dr. Moody are informative and knowledgeable, very caring and want to help relieve your pain and discomfort. They have the newest treatments and medicines for you.

- Donna C.
donna 5 star review

If you are looking for a Podiatrist look no further. This clinic has taken care of my son. It was so nice to go in and have the entire staff make us feel welcomed and answer all of our questions. We got in quickly and the x-rays are done in the clinic.

- Krystal B.
krystal 5 star review

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Family Foot & Ankle Centers. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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WAXAHACHIE OFFICE
1505 W Jefferson Street
Suite 170
Waxahachie, TX 75165

Phone: 972-597-4132
Fax: 855-874-7393

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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CORSICANA OFFICE
3229 W 7th Ave
Corsicana, TX 75110

Phone: 903-872-9910     
Fax: 855-874-7393

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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ENNIS OFFICE
601 S Clay St Suite 105
Ennis, TX 75119

Phone: 972-875-3668  
Fax: 855-874-7393>

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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