Hammertoe: How to Treat and Beat the Bend
The staff at My Chicago Foot Expert is well aware of just how unpleasant and painful some of the most common foot and ankle conditions can be. One example? Hammertoe, a foot deformity that podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos treats regularly. It causes one or more toes to bend at the middle joint, resembling a hammer and giving it its name.
This abnormal bend can lead to discomfort, inflict pain, and limit your ability to wear certain shoes. To step in and assist, we’ve put together a brief blog on hammertoe, its symptoms, and how custom orthotics can often help to straighten things out.
What Causes Hammertoe?
Several factors can contribute to hammertoe development.
- Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too narrow or short crowd your toes, forcing them into an unnatural bent position.
- Arthritis: Degenerative joint disease can weaken the joints in your toes, making them susceptible.
- Neuromuscular conditions: Certain neurological disorders can affect muscle control in the feet, leading to toe deformities like hammertoe.
- Genetics: A family history of hammertoe increases your risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms of Hammertoe
The most noticeable symptom of hammertoe is the visible bending of one or more toes at the middle joint. Others include:
- Pain and discomfort at the bent joint, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
- Corns and calluses that form on top of the bent joint due to friction with shoes.
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably due to the toe deformity.
Custom Orthotics for Hammertoe Relief
Custom orthotics can be a valuable tool in managing hammertoe. These specially designed inserts offer several benefits, including:
- Toe alignment: Orthotics can be molded to support and gently realign the toes, helping to straighten them over time.
- Pressure redistribution: Orthotics redistribute pressure away from the affected joint, reducing pain and discomfort while walking.
- Improved foot mechanics: Custom orthotics can address biomechanical imbalances that contribute to hammertoe development.
Are you struggling with hammertoe and unsure of where to turn? Call My Chicago Foot Expert at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today. The foot specialists at My Chicago Foot Expert are dedicated to providing safe, effective, and pain-free treatment options, and we’d be delighted to offer our assistance.
