What to Do About Hammertoe
- Posted on: Mar 15 2020
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You know a hammerhead shark is a type of shark but do you know that hammertoes are types of toes? If you have hammertoes, you probably already know. And if you’re self-conscious about your feet or genuinely in pain from them, don’t worry you have options.
What Is Hammertoe?
Hammertoe is when your toes point downward instead of straight ahead. This bend makes them slightly resemble a hammer, hence the name. Let’s take a closer look at what causes this condition and how can it be treated.
What’s The Cause of Hammertoe?
Unfortunately, there is not one singular cause of hammertoe. It can be caused by a variety of things. Some of those things include birth defects, shoes that are too small or don’t fit properly, arthritis, bunions, trauma, genetics, and tightened foot ligaments. It’s also possible that it’s a combination of some of these things. Women are also more likely than men to have Hammertoe. Your risk also increases with age.
How is Hammertoe Treated?
Your treatment options for Hammertoe depend on how severe your case is. Our doctors at Redwood Orthopaedic Associates are well-versed in treating Hammertoe however and will be able to decide what treatment option will work best.
If your hammertoe isn’t very severe and was likely caused by improper footwear, we may simply advise you to buy shoes that fit better and provide better arch support.
If your hammertoe appears to be caused by bunions, we’ll need to take a look at the severity of the bunions and go from there. You may need to buy over-the-counter bunion relief pads or in more serious cases, undergo surgery to have those bunions removed.
Does Hammertoe Require Surgery?
In some cases, surgery may be your best treatment option. If you find it hard to move your toes, then we might take a more serious approach like surgery. During the surgery, we’d reposition your toe, align the tendons, and remove any other issues such as bunions that may be an issue.
If you have hammertoe and you want to learn more about treatment options available to you, schedule a consultation at our Santa Rosa office today. We’d love to discuss ways to help improve your quality of life.
Posted in: Hammertoe Treatment
