Hammertoe is a deformity of the toe in which the toe bends downwards at the middle joint instead of pointing forwards. This condition is most often caused by wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes together or by wearing high heels for extended periods. Hammertoe can cause pain and discomfort and may make it difficult to walk. Usually, you can treat hammertoe with conservative measures, such as wearing wider shoes and using custom orthotics. This article looks at some of the different treatment options a Bakersfield hammertoe specialist can recommend.
Lifestyle Changes
If you are diagnosed with hammertoe, your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes to help relieve the symptoms. Your doctor may advise you to wear wider shoes, which will give your toes more room to move. You may also be given a custom orthotic device to wear in your shoes, which will help align the toes and relieve pressure on the joint.
Medication
If lifestyle changes alone do not relieve the symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help to reduce inflammation and pain. A corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce swelling and pain in some cases. In most cases, your doctor will recommend medication if conservative measures do not help to improve the condition.
Orthotic Devices
If you have a hammertoe, your doctor may recommend using orthotic devices to help relieve the symptoms. Orthotic devices are shoe inserts that help align the toes and relieve pressure on the joint. Several different types of orthotic devices are available, so it is essential to talk to your doctor about which type would be best for you.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a hammertoe. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the deformity. In most cases, the surgery will involve cutting and repositioning the tendons in the toe to help straighten it out. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove the bone causing the deformity. Surgery is a last resort and is only recommended if other treatment measures have failed to improve the condition.
Physical Therapy
You may also recommend physical therapy to help improve the symptoms of hammertoe. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the toe, which will help to reduce the deformity. It can also help to improve the range of motion and flexibility in the toe. Physical therapy usually involves a combination of exercises and stretches and massage therapy.
Nutrition
A healthy diet is also crucial for people with hammertoe. Eating a balanced diet will help to provide the nutrients needed to keep the bones and muscles healthy. It is important to avoid foods high in salt, as this can lead to swelling in the feet. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your feet hydrated.
In summary, hammertoe is a condition that affects the toe joint. It is most often caused by wearing tight shoes or high heels for extended periods. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, orthotic devices, and surgery. A specialist may also recommend physical therapy to help improve symptoms. A healthy diet is also vital for people with hammertoe.
