A hammertoe is a type of foot deformity that affects the center joint, causing it to bend and look like a hammer. It can be painful and make walking or wearing shoes difficult.
Most people think of bunions when it comes to foot issues, but hammertoes are a significant issue as well. At Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, Dr. Marque A. Allen provides treatments for conditions such as bunions and hammertoes.
Dr. Allen is an experienced, compassionate foot and ankle specialist offering surgical and noninvasive treatments for long-lasting relief.
Understanding hammertoes
A hammertoe is a prevalent foot deformity that happens when there’s an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe. It’s more common in the second toe but can occur in any toe.
The affected toe bends abnormally, giving it a talon-like or hammer-like appearance. It usually starts flexible but becomes more rigid over time. The result is various symptoms that can include:
There are a few causes of hammertoes, including wearing high heels often or shoes that are too tight, which can cause the toes to bend. Other causes include muscle imbalances between small and large muscles, injuries, bunions, and other foot deformities.
If you catch a hammertoe before it becomes rigid, we offer nonsurgical options for correction. Seeking prompt treatment leads to better outcomes.
The initial step in managing a flexible hammertoe is selecting footwear with a wide, comfortable toe box. If you need additional support, custom orthotics may also be recommended.
Other nonsurgical options include toe exercises that Dr. Allen may recommend to enhance flexibility. Toe crunches, floor grips, and stretches can aid early hammertoe correction. Taping and splinting also help realign the affected toe.
Sometimes a flexible hammertoe can become rigid, leading to severe pain and difficulty walking. If nonsurgical options haven’t fixed the problem and you’re struggling with everyday activities, Dr. Allen offers various surgical procedures to help.
The type of procedure you need depends on the severity of the hammertoe and its cause. Several surgical options resolve hammertoe symptoms, and they include:
Surgery isn’t the first choice for hammertoe correction because it’s invasive and requires significant recovery.
Dr. Allen discusses which option is best for you. Sometimes a combination of nonsurgical treatments and surgery is excellent for long-term relief of hammertoe.
Don't let hammertoes or bunions stop you. Take the first step toward lasting relief. Call our Alamo Heights or San Antonio offices today, or request a consultation online.
