A hammertoe is an abnormally shaped toe resulting from bent joints within the toe. These joints can become bent when there is an imbalance between the muscles and/or tendons, when the toe has undergone a past trauma, or due to hereditary reasons. Hammertoes begin as mild deformities that maintain flexibility and can be easily remedied, however without treatment they will continue to progress and become increasingly rigid, exert extra pressure on the toes, and cause a number of issues to develop in the toes and surrounding structures. For more severe cases of hammertoe, especially once the toe has become rigid, surgery is often needed.
Did you know…
Hammertoe is a rather common foot condition that affects 200,000 Americans yearly?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a Hammertoe?
You may have a hammertoe if you are experiencing toe pain when wearing shoes, notice a bending in your toe, have a red, inflamed toe, or have corns, calluses, or open sores forming between the toes or on the balls of your feet. If you suspect you may have a hammertoe, book a consultation with Dr. Hadfield today because early treatment is the key to a successful outcome.
How will Dr. Hadfield diagnose and treat hammertoes?
Dr. Hadfield will perform a thorough physical examination, as well as discuss your symptoms and relevant medical history. During your initial physical exam, he will gently maneuver your foot into various positions to recreate your symptoms and locate the source of the problem. X-rays will also be taken to help determine the treatment course.
What treatments are available for hammertoes?
Since each case of hammertoe is unique, the course of treatment is dependent on various factors such as your medical history and the severity of your hammertoe. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Hadfield will provide you with the best course of action for treatment. Mild cases of hammertoe can usually be corrected with non-surgical treatments, however more severe cases may require a surgical approach.
For mild cases, Dr. Hadfield may recommend wearing shoes that have adequate toe room and heels no taller than two inches, using custom orthotics to properly align your foot, splinting or strapping your toe to encourage proper alignment, and using oral medications or injections to manage any pain caused by your hammertoe. Another important aspect of hammertoe treatment is to pad any skin irritations that may have occurred. If these options are not working or if you have a severe case of hammertoe, a surgical approach may be required. Most surgeries are performed in an outpatient setting.
Dr. Hadfield of Hadfield Foot & Ankle has been serving McKinney and the surrounding Collin County area by providing excellent care to patients through highly skilled conservative and surgical treatments, as well as superior customer service. If you have foot or ankle concerns, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadfield today and take your next step forward!