Hammertoe is a deformity in
which one or more of the small toes develop a bend at the joint between the
first and second segments due to which the tip of the toes turns downward,
giving it a hammer or claw like look over a period of time. In such conditions,
the second toe is the most affected one and this can only be properly managed
and treated with help of an experienced and expert doctor who specializes in
hammertoe.
It is important to understand
what it is and how it can develop as anyone can face this situation. The main
symptom is a toe that is bent upward at the middle joint. Initially it might be
easy to straighten it out but with passage of time, it becomes hard to
straighten it out and causes pain too. When the inside of the shoe rubs against
a hammertoe it often results in corns, blisters or calluses that makes walking
very painful, specially while wearing shows. There is also pain in the joint
where the big toe joins the foot. In such a situation, it is essential to seek
a hammertoe doctor in New York
who has studied this condition very well and knows how to provide the best
relief with the most effective treatment.
How Hammertoes Can be Prevented
Hammertoe is mostly caused by
wearing short, narrow shoes that are too tight due to which the toe bends
upward. Muscles and tendons in the toe tighten up and become shorter and the
toe stays in the bent position. The doctor will examine the foot properly and
make a diagnosis if this is indeed hammertoe or something else. The good thing
about this is that this condition can be avoided by wearing shoes that are
narrow and don’t fit well.
In addition to this, avoiding
wearing heel more than 2 inches is also a great practice that can keeps the
toes in their natural position and they should have a wide toe box too.
According to doctors, parents should focus on the shoes they buy for their
children and make sure that their shoes fit properly, especially during their
growing years.
Hammertoe Management and Treatment
According to doctors, if the
hammertoe is still flexible, it might be easy to manage it at this stage and
treat it by taping to splitting the tow to hold it straight. There are certain
exercises that help to keep the toe joints flexible. Moving and stretching the
toes gently with fingers as well as picking up things with toes is a good way
to keep the toes flexible and avoid hammertoes.
However, if this condition
becomes too painful, the doctors advise applying ice pack several times a day
to get rid of the soreness and swelling. There are various non steroidal
anti-inflammatory medicines that can be helpful in controlling pain. In case of
severe swelling and pain, the doctor might prescribe a steroid injection in the
toe joint to help you deal with the discomfort.
If you do not suffer from
severe hammertoe problem, specialists believe that with some changes to your
lifestyle, you can manage this condition and enjoy a better life. The best
thing to do in this regard is to wear the right shoe size, avoiding tight or
narrow shows and high heels. This will go a long way in preventing the
condition from escalating and relieve pressure from the toes that becomes
painful in the long run. In addition to this, consulting a specialist can help
immensely as the specialists can judge the extent of the problem and offer
valuable advice on managing it the best way.
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