Hammertoes are a common foot condition. They can cause pain and discomfort but may not show many symptoms. In most cases, hammertoes are not serious but may still require treatment to prevent symptoms from worsening. If your hammertoes persistently interfere with your daily activities, such as walking or dressing, it would be best to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent worsening symptoms by providing proper footwear for orthotics to relieve pressure on your toes. If you think you have hammertoes, talk to a hammertoes Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills specialist, about treatment options that might be right for you. Learn more about hammertoes, their causes, and remedies.
What Causes Hammertoes?
Hammertoes are sometimes caused by wearing shoes that are too small. As a result, your toes become squeezed between the front of the shoe and the back of your foot. When this happens, your toes might curl toward each other and cause hammertoes.
If you have hammertoes, you might need to consider getting a new pair of shoes with plenty of space to avoid further issues. Untreated hammertoes might progress and lead to knee and ankle issues.
What Symptoms Does Hammertoes Cause?
Hammertoes can sometimes cause deliberating, especially with persistent pressure on your toes. The pain is felt in the ball of your foot and the toe joint below it. You may experience discomfort in your big toe as well. Other common symptoms you may experience include swelling, bruising, stiffening and tenderness. Cracking can also occur at the base of the nail, where it meets the skin. You can also develop blisters under your nails which may lead to infection if left untreated.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Hammertoes?
Hammertoes can affect both men and women. Your risk of developing this condition increases with age due to weakening bones. Also, women are more likely to develop hammertoes than men due to the type of shoes they wear, such as high heels.
Your toe length also determines your chances of developing hammertoes. If your big toe is shorter than the second toe, you are at a higher risk of hammertoe. Certain diseases like arthritis and diabetes can make you prone to foot deformities like hammertoes.
How Can You Prevent Hammertoes Symptoms From Worsening?
Several treatment options may help alleviate hammertoes’ symptoms. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need surgery or orthotics to prevent worsening symptoms over time. However, early intervention is key in preventing long-term damage to your feet and toes.
If you have hammertoes, your podiatrist might advise you to rest as much as possible by laying your feet on a soft surface for a few minutes daily. Resting your feet helps to relieve pain and reduces swelling and inflammation in your toes.
For severe hammertoes, your doctor might recommend foot surgery to correct the bending on your toes and align your toe joint. Your doctor may also advise using different insoles or inserts on your shoe depending on your foot shape to minimize pressure.
Hammertoes are a common problem for many people, but you can prevent them from recurring with proper foot care and treatments. If you have hammertoes, you can receive personalized treatment and care from Eazy Foot & Ankle to alleviate painful symptoms. Learn more about hammertoes by booking an appointment or calling their office number.