The summer is finally here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the warm weather. Unfortunately, having hammertoes can put a damper on your outdoor plans. It doesn’t have to though! Check out these quick tips to make sure your summer stays fun.
WHAT ARE HAMMERTOES?
A hammertoe is a deformity on your second, third, fourth, or fifth toe. Your toes can appear bent at the middle joint. This can be painful. It’s usually caused by footwear not fitting properly or muscle imbalance.
QUICK TIPS TO DEAL WITH HAMMERTOES
So, what can you do? It’s always a good idea to first check with your doctor before trying to remedy the problem yourself. Here are some quick tips to minimize hammertoe discomfort:
• Wear comfortable footwear
A big culprit of hammertoes is women’s shoes. High heels especially can cause the toe to become deformed. Make sure you have ample room to wiggle your toes.
• Foot exercises
A qualified podiatrist can give you certain exercises to stretch your muscles keeping your toes supple and flexible.
• Custom orthotics
Your podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics. These are shoe inserts that are specially designed to your specific foot shape to provide support exactly where it’s needed most.
If you are still having symptoms your doctor may recommend surgery. Hammertoes tend to be progressive and get worse with time. There are several different types of surgery for hammertoes, including fusion, tendon transfer, and joint resection. It’s important to find an experienced podiatrist to discuss your options.
Contact a podiatrist today if you or a loved one is suffering from any of the above symptoms. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX (county of Dallas), is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries, and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.