Help With Hammertoes

Summer is almost here, which means more time outside participating in fun activities like vacation trips, days spent at the beach, and barbeque plans! What's one thing that can slow you down from having fun? Hammertoes! A hammertoe is a deformity of your toe that causes difficulty walking. If you leave a hammertoe uninterrupted, it will become stiff, and eventually, you might be unable to move it.

Do You Have a Hammertoe?

Before we get into treatment options, let's review some ways you can tell if you have this condition. You likely have a hammertoe if you catch any of the following symptoms:

●     A rigid joint in your toe

●     Pain at the top of your toe

●     Pain in the ball of your foot

●     Redness or inflammation

●     Difficulty moving your toe

●     Joint swelling

Preventing a Hammertoe

The best way to avoid an injury or painful condition is by taking measures to prevent it in the first place! To steer clear of hammertoes, remember these tips:

●     Wear comfortable, supportive shoes

●     Use a pumice stone for any corns or calluses

●     Keep your toes flexible and strong by incorporating stretches and foot exercises into your daily routine

Treating Your Hammertoe

If you think you’re dealing with a hammertoe, there isn’t much you can do to help your condition at home. It’s best to call a podiatrist and make an appointment. They’ll be able to formally diagnose you and set you on the path to healthy, pain-free feet. Below are some of the treatment options your podiatrist will likely recommend:

●     Custom orthotics or shoe inserts

●     Cortisone shots for pain relief

●     Over-the-counter medication, like Advil or Aleve

●     Taping your toe, which can change the muscle imbalance

●     Surgery, if your pain is severe and interrupts daily activity or the above options don’t work

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.