Do You Have a Toe Deformity?

Regularly checking your fee is always a great idea. Not only can you watch out for differences in your feet and ankles, but it also allows you to catch conditions and diseases before they cause trouble. One thing we commonly miss in our foot inspection is our toes. Toe deformities can appear suddenly and come on strongly. Some toe deformities can show up at birth, but many are caused by wearing improper shoes over long periods. If left untreated, these deformities can have long-lasting, painful effects on the feet.

Signs and Symptoms

A hammertoe will be bent at the middle joint so that the toe resembles a hammer. Most often found in the second toe, hammertoes cause pain when wearing shoes. When shoes don't fit right, friction and pressure can cause irritation and calluses. Early in its development, a hammertoe will be flexible and can be treated. However, a rigid hammertoe may require surgery for correction.

Claw toes differ from hammertoes because the toe joint at the ball of the foot bends upward, and then the middle or end joints bend downwards, so the toe resembles a claw.

In mallet toe, the bent joint is the upper rather than the middle joint.

Treating Toe Deformities

To treat hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes, we will first apply non-invasive methods to relieve pain and, importantly, delay the deformity’s progression.

Some of these treatments include switching to shoes with a large toe box and pads and cushions to prevent skin irritations. Splints or tape can help to reposition the toes. Stretching exercises can restore flexibility and strength. Custom orthotics may also be recommended.

Surgery may be required if these conservative measures are ineffective or the toes are too rigid. The goal of surgery will be to restore normal toe alignment and relieve pain.

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.