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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Hammertoe is a foot condition that is easy to notice. It affects the middle joints in the toes, and it causes them to rise up. Hammertoe is considered to be a deformity, and it may affect balance in the body. This muscle imbalance can cause pain while walking, and corns and calluses may form from the top of the toes rubbing against the shoe. There may be existing conditions that can cause hammertoe to develop. These can consist of bunions, flat feet, and diabetes. Additionally, the toes provide balance to the body, and the feet may work harder to maintain this in patients who have longer bones in their toes. Treatment can begin by wearing shoes that fit correctly and performing specific types of toe stretches. Wearing a cushioned pad on top of the affected toes may bring temporary relief. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide permanent relief options, which may include surgery to straighten them.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The pain that accompanies a broken toe can be severe. Additional symptoms can include immediate swelling and bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. A toe can break if a heavy object falls on it, or if it is stubbed into a piece of furniture. If the toe is severely broken, the bone can protrude, and prompt medical attention is often sought. Some patients realize their toe is broken as a result of continual throbbing. A proper diagnosis is generally taken that can confirm the fractured toe, which consists of having an X-ray done. A mildly broken toe can be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is accomplished by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which can provide the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. Severely broken toes may require surgery that can provide complete healing. If you believe you have incurred this type of injury, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander from Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
